Los Angeles Clippers star James Harden has been a major force so far in this new NBA season. With Kawhi Leonard sidelined, Harden has to take on a lot of responsibility for the Clippers, and he is thriving in that role. During Thursday night’s game against the Phoenix Suns, Harden averaged 23.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 11.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game on 35.5/27/85.7 shooting splits.
Harden did his best to raise those averages early in Thursday’s game, and in the first quarter alone. Entering this game, Harden ranked second in the NBA in assists per game (right behind Trae Young with .3 assists).
By doing everything in the first quarter on Thursday, Harden made NBA history:
Via @TomerAzarly (StatHead of h/t Basketball Reference): “James Harden made history in the first quarter against the Suns: 12 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 blocks. The first player since tracking began in 1996-97 figures to be included in a quarter.”
James Harden made history in the 1st quarter vs. the Suns:
12 points
5 rebounds
7 assists
2 blocksThe first player since tracking began in 1996-97 to record these numbers in a quarter.
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) November 1, 2024
Many people had written off the Clippers when they lost Paul George, and the critics grew louder when it was revealed that Kawhi Leonard would miss extended periods of time. Harden has taken this 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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