NBA 2018-19: 3 talking points from Houston Rockets' win over San Antonio Spurs

James Harden outdueled DeMar DeRozan as the Rockets defeated the Spurs
James Harden outdueled DeMar DeRozan as the Rockets defeated the Spurs

#1 James Harden's 39-point performance

James Harden had a great game against San Antoni Spurs
James Harden had a great game against San Antonio Spurs

Stat line: 39 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists and 2 steals on 36.8 % shooting

James Harden has been incredible this season and is averaging 32.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 8.4 assists per game. He is doing all he can to defend his MVP trophy and only time will tell whether he succeeds.

After a 35-point performance against the Miami Heat, Harden went off once again and dropped 39 points on 12-for-34 shooting, including 7-for-19 from three-point land. James started his offensive explosion with a step back three-pointer in the first quarter. He had 12 points in the first quarter and the Rockets jumped to a 28-26 lead.

In the second quarter, he struggled as he had only 6 points and the Spurs clinched it, 17-13. Thanks to Gerald Green's 12 points and Harden's 10 points, the Rockets took an 84-69 lead at the end of three quarters. Harden then had 11 points in the fourth and the Rockets successfully held on for a 108-101 win.

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