James Harden Dominates as 2019-20 NBA Scoring Champion
In the 2019-20 NBA season, James Harden asserted himself as a dominant force, finishing as the scoring champion. His performance for the Houston Rockets was nothing short of spectacular, as he averaged 34.3 points per game.
Historic Context of the 2019-20 NBA Season
The 2019-20 season presented unique challenges, notably a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The season kicked off in late October 2019 and concluded in mid-August 2020, with the playoffs extending into October. Despite these interruptions, Harden continued to shine on the court.
Remarkable Scoring Achievements
One of the standout moments of Harden’s season occurred on November 30, 2019. In a game against the Atlanta Hawks, he recorded a career-high 60 points, contributing to a 158-111 victory. His shooting statistics for that impressive match were:
- Field Goals: 16 of 24
- Three-Point Field Goals: 8 of 14
- Free Throws: 20 of 23
Harden also recorded eight assists, three rebounds, three steals, and one block during that game, all in just 31 minutes of play.
Consistent High-Scoring Games
Harden’s prowess wasn’t limited to just one game. He also exceeded the 50-point mark on four other occasions during the season:
- 59 points against the Wizards on October 30
- 55 points against the Cavaliers on December 11
- 54 points against the Magic on December 13
- 50 points against the Spurs on December 3
Despite a double-overtime loss to the Spurs where he scored 50 points, the Rockets secured a 4-1 record in games where Harden hit at least 50 points.
All-Around Player and Versatility
Beyond his prolific scoring, Harden demonstrated impressive versatility throughout the season. He recorded:
- 40 or more points in 21 games
- At least 30 points in 44 of the 68 games he played
His overall statistics were equally remarkable, including:
- 7.5 assists per game
- 6.6 rebounds per game
- 1.8 steals per game
- 0.9 blocks per game
Harden achieved 22 double-doubles and four triple-doubles, with his most notable performance occurring on January 3, 2020. In that game against the Philadelphia 76ers, he logged:
- 44 points
- 11 rebounds
- 11 assists
Acknowledgments and Playoff Journey
Due to his outstanding season, Harden earned a spot in the 2020 All-Star Game and was named to the All-NBA First Team. He finished third in the MVP voting, behind Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James. As the leader of the Rockets in the playoffs, they faced the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Semifinals but were eliminated in five games.
During the playoffs, Harden maintained his high level of play, averaging 29.6 points, 7.7 assists, and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 47.8% from the field.
Overall, the 2019-20 season solidified James Harden’s reputation as one of the elite talents in the NBA, framing him as the scoring champion while displaying his multifaceted skill set on the court.
