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Watch: James Harden scores season-high 50 in Rockets’ win against Sixers

The up-and-down year of Houston Rockets guard James Harden hit a peak Friday night against the Philadelphia 76ers. He scored a season-high 50 points in a 116–114 win.

The up-and-down season of Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden hit a peak Friday night against the Sixers.

Harden dropped a season-high 50 points on 14-of-28 shooting, along with nine rebounds and eight assists, to lead Houston to a 116–114 home victory. The loss dropped Philadelphia to 0–17 and set the NBA record for consecutive losses at 27.

Trailing 91–80 after three quarters, the Sixers, seeking their first win in 26 tries dating back to last season, opened the fourth on an 11–2 run to tie the game at 93. After the Sixers jumped ahead by seven at the 6:22 mark, Harden scored seven straight points to even the game once again. 

Harden finished the final quarter with 14 points, and got to the free–throw line 20 times in the game, converting on 16 attempts. He now has 90 points over his last two games, making a combined 26-of-47 shots from the field. 

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A loss would have represented a very low point in what’s been a disappointing 2015–16 campaign to this point for Houston. They had dropped seven of eight entering Friday, and faced a Philadelphia team that was without starting center Nerlens Noel. Houston also fired coach Kevin McHale on Nov. 18.

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Next up for Houston is a visit to Madison Square Garden on Sunday. Tip-off against the Knicks is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.

You can watch highlights of Houston’s win below.