James Harden Wins Second Straight Western Conference Player of the Week Award

The Beard has done it again. James Harden earned his second straight Western Conference Player of the Week honor on Monday, winning the award for the 24th time in his career. 

Harden has now won back-to-back Player of the Week honors three times in his career. He previously achieved the feat in February 2018 and March 2014. 

Monday's award comes after a dominant week for the two-time scoring champion. Harden averaged 44.8 points per game over the last week, adding 6.8 assists while shooting 40% from three. The Rockets went 4–0 thanks to Harden's dominance, extending their win streak to seven with a win over the Timberwolves on Saturday night. 

Harden saved his most brilliant moments for the fourth quarter last week. He averaged 16 points per fourth quarter, shooting 58.6% from the field. Houston's superstar turned in perhaps his best performance of the season on Nov. 13 against the Clippers, finishing the night with 47 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter. Harden added a pair of steals in the final period, including a key swipe against Kawhi Leonard in the final minute.

The Rockets have rebounded from a shaky 3–3 start to enter Monday night's matchup with Portland second in the West at 10–3. Harden leads all players in points, threes and free throws. Only Blazers guard Damian Lillard has more offensive win shares. Harden is on pace to break the non-Wilt scoring record, and his seven 40-point games are the most through 13 contests since Chamberlain in 1961-62. The historic tear has landed Harden two straight Player of the Week honors. A similar pace throughout the season would likely give him a second MVP. 

Harden and the Rockets host the Blazers on Monday night. Tip-off from the Toyota Center is slated for 7 p.m. ET.