Basketball: James Harden makes history with 60 point triple double

Houston Rockets guard James Harden posted the highest-scoring triple double in NBA history. Photo / Getty Images.

Since the Houston Rockets franchise began in 1967, nobody had scored 60 points while wearing a Rockets uniform.

That was, until All-Star guard James Harden did in Houston against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday.

Harden scored 60 points on 19/30 shooting to lead his side to a 114-107 victory without three of their usual starting five available, becoming just the 25th player in league history to have a 60-point performance.

His historic night didn't stop at taking a franchise record. The 28-year-old also became the first player in NBA history to record a 60-point triple doube, finishing with a stat line of 60 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists.

The line surpasses their former highest-scoring triple double which included 57 points, set by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook last season.

Harden is now the sole owner of the most 50-plus point triple doubles in NBA history as well, with today's effort being the third of his career.

That sees him go one ahead of Westbrook and NBA legends Wilt Chamberlain and Elgin Baylor.

The effort is just the latest in a MVP-calibre campaign for Harden. Over the halfway point of the season, he leads the league in scoring with 31 points per game, while being among the top three in assists per game with an average of nine.

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