Harden scores FIFTY-SEVEN in Rockets' 112-94 win over the Grizzlies

Posted: January 14, 2019 -- 11:29 p.m.

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- The Houston Rockets bounced back from Sunday's loss in Orlando to thump the Memphis Grizzlies, 112-94, Monday night. James Harden led the Rockets with FIFTY-SEVEN points. In 34 minutes, 6 seconds. It's the second time Harden has scored 55 or more points in 35 or fewer minutes played (56 in 35 minutes vs. Utah on November 5, 2017). The last player to accomplish that feat twice was Kobe Bryant.

"I know we let one slip away last night; and, it was another opportunity for us to win tonight," Harden acknowledged.

After the game, Harden was happier to get the win than scoring the 57 points.

"The win was important," Harden said. "I gotta get some rest tomorrow and be ready to go Wednesday."

Rockets' center Clint Capela is expected to miss 4 to 6 weeks with an injured right thumb; therefore, with Capela, Chris Paul (left hamstring strain), and Eric Gordon (right knee soreness) out of action, other players on the Rockets have to pick up the slack.

"When someone else goes down, it's another opportunity for someone to step up," Harden said. "Tonight we had Marquese (Chriss), and Nenê, and Gary (Clark) played well. Guys had an opportunity to play; so, you have to take advantage of it.,But for me, nothing changes."

Harden scored 36 points in the first half; but, the Rockets only led by six points (54-48) at halftime. The 36 points are the second-most points in any half in Rockets' franchise history and the most by a Rocket in a first half. Vernon Maxwell had 37 points in the second half vs. Cleveland on January 26, 1991.

In the first half, Harden made 11 of the Rockets' 18 baskets including 3 of the 5 three-point buckets.

The third quarter was a 180 from the first half. Houston made 9 three-point shots (out of 11 baskets) in the third quarter and outscored the Grizzlies 33-22 in the period.

Harden scored 10 in the third. Austin Rivers scored 8. Gerald Green scored 6; and, Danuel House Jr., PJ Tucker, and Gary Clark each scored 3.

Houston led 87-70 after three quarters. The Grizzlies got as close as 12 points in the fourth quarter; but, Harden scored 10 straight points -- including a step back three-pointer plus the free throw -- which put him over the 50 point plateau.

Sunday night, Harden shot 1 for 17 from three-point range in the Rockets' loss to Orlando. Austin Rivers says a lot of guys in the NBA would have let that poor three-point shooting linger into the next game.

"Guys like that are – he isn't who he is for no reason. When I say that meaning, he comes off a game where he’s 1-17 and everybody's like saying whatever, it just doesn't even faze him. Like he comes in tonight, like he was 17 for 17, that's just the mindset that the great ones have. I'm telling you right now, if another player in the league went 1 for 17, they come in tonight a little messed up. James (Harden) comes in and just – that's just why he is who he is man. It's impressive, it's really impressive."

"A lot of guys contributed," said Head Coach Mike D'Antoni. "I thought Danuel House (Jr.) again was good, Gerald (Green) finally got it going in the second half; so, it's good – good stuff."

House Jr. made his 12th straight start (Rockets 9-3 mark) and scored 15 points. He has scored in double-figures in six of the past nine games, including three straight games.

Gerald Green led all reserves with 14 points. He has scored in double-figures in six of the past eight games. Houston is 13-4 when Green scores 10 or more points this season.

The last time the Rockets held an opponent below 100 points was vs. Utah on December 17. Dating back to last season, Houston is 39-5 when holding the opposition below 100 points. Five of the Rockets past seven wins have been by double-digits.

NOTES:

Tonight's win is the 600th career win for Rockets Head Coach Mike D'Antoni. He's the 25th coach in NBA history to reach that milestone and the fourth active, joining Greg Popovich, Doc Rivers, and Rick Carlisle.

"It's an honor to be able to coach the guys I've coached," said D'Antoni. "And, these (the Rockets) are some of the best. This is my third year; but, they've given me most of my wins, just by walking in that locker room over there. I appreciate these guys and everybody before them; but, it just means you've coached some good guys; and, you're able to avoid getting fired too many times."

NEXT:

The Rockets' next game is Wednesday, January 16, versus the Brooklyn Nets. Tip is set for 7 p.m.

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