NBA Preseason Day 10: Harden dominates Knicks in New York; Boston remain unbeaten

Houston Rockets 117-95 New York Knicks

Just like last year's preseason, James Harden is on fire. Despite everybody predicting a dip in his numbers, with the addition of Chris Paul in the backcourt, Harden has been averaging double-digit assists all through the preseason. And on Monday against the Knicks in New York, he was at a level that everybody saw almost all of last season:

James Harden lights up MSG with 36 points, 11 assists and 9 rebounds in @HoustonRockets victory! #NBAPreseason pic.twitter.com/E39rRuH83Q

— NBA (@NBA) October 10, 2017

The runner-up for MVP last year was just one rebound short of a triple-double. With Chris Paul sitting out the game, Harden flexed his muscles on the Knicks in his 37 minutes of playing time. Other starters in Clint Capela, Eric Gordon and Trevor Ariza combined for 51 points. The Rockets are 3-0 so far in the preseason with two more games to go. Their next game is against the Memphis Grizzlies on the 11th of October (Oct. 12).

The Knicks, on the other hand, were without their best player Kristaps Porzingis. Tim Hardaway Jr. top-scored for the team with 21 points but couldn't stop the team from falling to 0-4 in the preseason so far. They face their next opponents - the Washington Wizards on October the 13th.

Philadelphia 76ers 96-113 Boston Celtics

Celtics' rookie Jayson Tatum had seven points in the win (Image courtesy: nba.com)

All the Celtics' superstars - Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward and Al Horford - all sat out of this game, still the team cruised to a win over the Philadelphia 76ers. The dominant win margin speaks a lot about Boston's depth. The rookie duo of Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz combined for 27 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists but neither could lead Philadelphia to the win

Fultz and Simmons combine for 18 first half points for the @sixers! #NBAPreseason pic.twitter.com/XRccgS0o5q

— NBA (@NBA) October 10, 2017

Six Boston players finished in double figures led by Terry Rozier who had 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists.

Charlotte Hornets 106-109 Miami Heat

Hassan Whiteside also had a huge contribution for the Heat with 11 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 steals

Kelly Olynyk (MIA): 13 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists

Dwight Howard (CHA): 16 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals

Atlanta Hawks 100-88 Memphis Grizzlies

Dennis Schroder (ATL): 21 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals

Marc Gasol (MEM): 4 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks

Indiana Pacers 97-107 Detroit Pistons

Ish Smith (DET): 14 points, 9 assists

Jarrod Uthoff (IND): 11 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists

Dallas Mavericks 99-96 Orlando Magic

Dennis Smith Jr guides the @dallasmavs to #NBAPreseason victory with 16 PTS, 7 AST & 6 REB! pic.twitter.com/iA4Z2GnJoU

— NBA (@NBA) October 10, 2017

Dennis Smith Jr. (DAL): 16 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds

D.J. Augustin (ORL): 24 points, 5 assists

Utah Jazz 121-102 Phoenix Suns

Ricky Rubio (UTA): 20 points, 3 steals

Alex Len (PHO): 18 points, 6 assists

Portland Trail Blazers 97-83 Sacramento Kings

All five @trailblazers touch the ball as Dame beats the first half buzzer! #NBAPreseason pic.twitter.com/gbqAgalCCp

— NBA (@NBA) October 10, 2017

Damian Lillard (POR): 14 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists

Frank Mason III: 13 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists