James Harden scored record 60 in triple double for Rockets

HOUSTON – James Harden knew he'd have to do a little more on Tuesday night with the Houston Rockets missing key players.

Even he couldn't have imagined what happened.

Harden became the first player in NBA history to score 60 points as part of a triple-double as the Rockets beat the Orlando Magic 114-107.

"I just gave it all I had tonight," Harden said. "We all did. We all fought for 48 minutes, we got key stops when we needed to and we made big shots."

Harden scored 18 points in the fourth quarter to eclipse the triple-double scoring record of 57 points set by Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook on March 29, 2017.

With the score tied at 107 and under two minutes left, Harden took over, scoring the next six points to make it 113-107 with 45 seconds left.

He set the scoring mark when he stepped back and made a three-pointer while being fouled. He then made the free throw.

Harden grabbed his 10th rebound a few seconds later to give him his third triple double this season.

"It's a good feeling, I guess," he said. "Just try to go out there and make an impact every single night on the game, however I can. Whether it's scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, whatever it is."

The Rockets started the game without Chris Paul (groin) and Trevor Ariza (hamstring). And Eric Gordon (back stiffness) left early in the second quarter.