James Harden wasn't going to let Cavaliers mount a comeback on Thursday in Houston. The All-Star guard played the entire second half to ensure it.
Harden joined Michael Jordan as the only players in the last 30 seasons to record 35 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and five steals in a game in the 117-113 win over Cleveland.
While Harden put up impressive numbers (35/11/13), he was clearly tired at the end of the game, coming up short on a number of shots, including a missed layup with under 90 seconds to go. Rockets big man Clint Capela stepped up late as Houston grabbed seven offensive rebounds in the fourth quarter. Capela finished with 19 points and 13 rebounds.
Read: Celtics pips Lakers for 10th straight win
James had 33 points for Cavaliers, and Jeff Green added 27 off the bench but Cleveland's defence was quiet yet again, lowlighted by Dwyane Wade's minus-21 in 20 minutes on the floor. James also committed nine of Cleveland's 19 turnovers.
With Celtics owning a 10-game winning streak, and Cavs sitting two games below .500, it's looking increasingly likely Cavs isn't going to win the Eastern Conference this season.
STUDS OF THE NIGHT
Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday posted 34 points with 11 assists and five rebounds in a 122-118 loss to Raptors. Toronto was led by DeMar DeRozan's 33 points.
NBA trade rumours: 'Very unlikely' Julius Randle has a future with Lakers
Paul Millsap and the Nuggets dropped Thunder to 4-7 on the season with an impressive all-around game. Millsap finished with 17 points, seven rebounds, six blocks, five assists, and two steals in the 102-94 win.
DUD OF THE NIGHT
Lonzo Ball has frequented this category and it’s for reasons displayed in the Lakers’ 111-95 loss to the Wizards. Ball was just 3 of 12 from the field and 1 of 7 from deep. He registered a minus-15 and had four turnovers as the Lakers fell to 5-7 on the season.
HIGHLIGHT
DeMarcus Cousins broke Jonas Valanciunas's ankles and then drilled this step-back 3-pointer.
WHAT'S NEXT
Bucks (4-6) at Spurs (7-4) - Eric Bledsoe is expected to make his Milwaukee debut after being traded from the Suns for Greg Monroe and first- and second-round picks. The Spurs and Gregg Popovich have seen plenty of Bledsoe when he played in the Western Conference and have held him to a medicore 12 points per game in his career.
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