James Harden made NBA history as the first player to record a 60-point triple double in the Houston Rockets’ 114-107 victory over the Orlando Magic.
Harden outscored the entire Magic starting line-up by himself as he poured in 60 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists and also set a franchise record for the most points in one game as the Rockets moved to 36-13 for the season.
#Rockets Win!
Franchise Record Night for @JHarden13! ⤵️
60 POINTS / 11 ASSISTS/ 10 REBOUNDS! pic.twitter.com/plWgX4YhuL
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) January 31, 2018
The Golden State Warriors suffered their 11th defeat of the season as the Utah Jazz cruised to a 129-99 victory.
Steve Kerr’s side had scored at least 100 points in their previous 16 matches but it was not their night as Stephen Curry managed just one of seven three-point attempts and Klay Thompson top-scored with 27.
By contrast, the Jazz managed to sink 14 of 28 attempts from the perimeter, with Ricky Rubio (23), Joe Ingles (20) and Donovan Mitchell all scoring 20 points or over.
Final from Utah.@utahjazz shoot 58.2%, take it over @warriors 129-99 behind 23 PTS & 11 AST from Ricky Rubio. pic.twitter.com/HQIEHErRUI
— NBA (@NBA) January 31, 2018
Staying in the Western Conference, LaMarcus Aldridge scored 30 points as the San Antonio Spurs held on for a 106-104 win over the Denver Nuggets, who nearly overcame a five-point deficit in the final 37 seconds to snatch the win.
The Toronto Raptors moved to 34-15 with a 109-104 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Fred VanVleet arrived at the Air Canada Centre 10 minutes before tip-off and on the back of two hours sleep following the birth of his daughter, but still managed 10 points for the home side.
What an amazing 48-72 hrs..Thank you for all your love and support! I’m normally a private person but having a daughter seems too big of a blessing to hide! We welcomed a happy, healthy babygirl Monday morning. Sanaa Marie VanVleet❤️??
— Fred VanVleet (@FredVanVleet) January 31, 2018
The Cleveland Cavaliers lost Kevin Love to a hand injury as they were beaten 125-114 by the Detroit Pistons.
The Pistons were without Avery Bradley and Tobias Harris, who were both part of the stunning trade which has seen five-time All-Star Blake Griffin switch to Detroit.
RT to welcome @blakegriffin32 to the #Pistons! #DetroitBasketball pic.twitter.com/2ViIpXCUOF
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) January 30, 2018
In Griffin’s absence, the LA Clippers slipped to a 104-96 loss to the Portland Trailblazers.
Elsewhere, the New York Knicks claimed a 111-95 success over the Brooklyn Nets, the Sacramento Kings were 114-103 winners over the New Orleans Pelicans and the Washington Wizards secured a 102-96 success over the Oklahoma Thunder.
