James Harden makes NBA history in LA Clippers vs. Phoenix Suns

On By Littum

Los Angeles Clippers star James Harden has been a force so far this new NBA season. With Kawhi Leonard on the sidelines, Harden has been required to shoulder a lot of responsibility for the Clippers, and has thrived in that role. Entering Thursday’s game against the Phoenix Suns, Harden has averaged 23.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 11.3 assists and 1.3 steals a game on a 35.5/27/85.7 shooting split.

Harden did his best to increase those averages early in Thursday’s game, and only in the first quarter alone. Entering this game, Harden was second in the NBA in assists per game. game (just behind Trae Young with 0.3 assists).

By doing a little bit of everything in the first quarter on Thursday, Harden made NBA history:

Via @TomerAzarly (h/t Basketball References StatHead): “James Harden made history in 1st quarter vs. Suns: 12 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 blocks. First player since tracking began in 1996-97 to record these figures in one quarter.”

Many people had written off the Clippers when they lost Paul George, and the critics got louder when it was revealed that Kawhi Leonard would miss extended time. Harden has taken the opportunity to prove that he is still capable of single-handedly leading a team and making history at the same time.

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