James Harden's 23 points in the first quarter triggered the Rockets to a 115-88 win over the Sixers

Posted: November 14, 2016 -- 11:33 pm CDT.

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- James Harden was "hotter than a depot stove" in the first quarter Monday night against the Philadelphia 76ers. Harden scored 23 points in the opening period. Harden finished the game with 33 points in the Rockets' 115-88 rout of the Sixers.

Harden's 23 points in a quarter tied Yao Ming (4th at WAS on December 9, 2006) for the second-most points in a quarter in franchise history (30 by Vernon Maxwell in the 4th vs. CLE on January 26, 1991.

"I think we just go in with that mind set every single game to play how we need to play, we’re preparing to be really good, we don’t take anyone for granted," Harden said after the game. "So, (I) came in and made shots, and defensively really locked in, and didn’t give them any confidence really in the game."

Harden was a perfect 8 for 8 from the floor in the first quarter. Harden scored 18 points in the final six minutes 27 seconds of the first quarter.

The Rockets (6-4) broke a 14-14 tie with a 22-12 run to finish the quarter and lead 38-26 at the end of the first 12 minutes.

Harden did not score in the second quarter; but his teammates picked up the scoring slack. Eric Gordon scored 8 points in the second period; and, five other Rockets also scored in the quarter.

The Rockets led 53-32; but, the Sixers ended the quarter with a 20-12 burst to trim the Rockets' lead to 65-52 at the half.

Gordon made a three-point shot to begin the third quarter scoring. Clint Capela answered with a lay-up. Ryan Anderson nailed a jumper; then, Harden sank back-to-back three-point shots to put the Rockets ahead 78-56 with 8:10 remaining in the third period.

The Rockets' lead grew to 29 points (twice) in the third quarter; and, the lead was 25 (93-68) at the end of the third quarter.

Harden scored 10 points in the third quarter to jump start the rout and put the Sixers away. The Sixers failed to get closer than 23 points throughout the fourth quarter.

Harden added 9 assists and 7 rebounds to his game-high 33 points. Trevor Ariza scored 17 points while Gordon added 16 points; and, Nene added 13 points (in 16 minutes). Clint Capela snared a game-high 13 rebounds and blocked a career-high 5 shots.

"“Of course it feels good, but my job is post defense and playing strong, block shots, and that’s it," said Capela.

"He (Capela) is improving a lot," said head coach Mike D'Antoni. "It’s pretty good what he is doing, he just continues to build on what he’s doing. His whole thing is stamina, if he keeps his stamina up he’s good. He understands the defense, he’s in the right position, he guards the rim, pick and roll, he’s always a threat at the rim in pick and rolls. Obviously he puts a lot of pressure on their offense."

The Rockets travel to Oklahoma City for a Wednesday night match-up against OKC.

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