The record books needed updating after a January 2019 matchup between the Houston Rockets and the New York Knicks. Madison Square Garden was the stage for James Harden’s dismantling of the lowly Knicks.
You knew New York was in trouble at the start of the game, when Harden was hard dribbling left and right. He juked Emmanuel Mudiay into fouling underneath him for a 4-point play. The hapless Knicks continued to foul Harden on his way to 25 free throw attempts on the night. Despite dropping 36 points in the first half, the undermanned Rockets were still down 5 at halftime. Houston rallied in the third but lost it all in the remaining minutes of the third. Harden’s squad was down 108-107 with 35 seconds remaining before he drew more free throws.
After the go-ahead 3 from teammate Eric Gordon, the Knicks blundered the inbound with seconds remaining. This allowed the The Beard’s to steal the ball and score the final two of his career-high 61 points. The total tied Kobe Bryant’s scoring record for an opposing player at MSG, etching Harden’s name into history.
The sneakers the Beard laced up for this epic performance was the adidas Harden Vol. 3. The Boost cushioning provides a plush feeling that absorbs any landing. The shoe was made specifically for Harden with traction that rides up the midsole, a feature that helps James stabilize himself on step-backs.
Harden rocked a black PE colorway for this highlight, but you can find the adidas Harden Vol. 3 in other colors at StockX and GOAT.
Image via The Straits Times