NBA: James Harden surpasses Allen Iverson for 5th-most 40-point games

2020 NBA MVP race is heating up this season and James Harden just made choice for MVP 2020 even tougher. James Harden tched up a 44-point display against Memphis Grizzlies to lead Houston Rockets to a convincing 107-100 win. In doing so, Harden has surpassed NBA icon Allen Iverson for  fifth-most 40-point games in history of NBA.

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James Harden in elite company

Interestingly, his 44-point display against Grizzlies was  80th 40-point game of his career. Many have played down James Harden's claim to MVP this season. However, after a dominating 40-point display against Grizzlies, NBA fans might want to keep an eye on his MVP odds this season. Only Wilt Chamberlain (271), Michael Jordan (173), Kobe Bryant (122) and Elgin Baylor (88) are currently ahead of Rockets superstar on list. 

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James Harden is considered as one of most prolific scorers in NBA. refore, it is surprise that  seven-time NBA All-Star always turns up for Rockets when chips are down. Harden racked up 10 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and a block on night. All of this coming at a time when Rockets entered game against Grizzlies as one of worst teams defending three-point line in NBA. 

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After leading league scoring-wise last season, James Harden seems to have picked up right where he left off. Harden is averaging 36.6 points per game in 2019-20 season, with 4.3 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game. With NBA MVP Russell Westbrook joining forces with Harden in off-season, duo is expected to lead charge when it comes to Houston Rockets' NBA Finals push in coming seasons. However, Rockets have blown hot and cold this season. Harden's Rockets suffered an embarrassing 29-point loss to Miami Heat in ir last game. Interestingly, Rockets are currently averaging third-most points per game, but are also third-most poor team in NBA this season, defensively. 

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