Following an off-season trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Houston Rockets, James Harden wasted no time introducing himself to his new fanbase, with a monster debut.
In his first game as a Rocket, Harden exploded for 37 points, 12 assists, six rebounds, four steals and a block on 14-of-25 shooting from the field and 4-of-9 from the three-point line, leading his new squad to a 105-96 win over the Detroit Pistons.
The Pistons led 85-77 with 9:37 remaining in the fourth quarter before Harden powered the Rockets' rally as they closed the game on a 28-11 run, outscoring the Pistons 33-15 in the final frame.
Watch the game below:
Harden's incredible debut put his name in some elite company, with this 37 points, the second-most points a player has scored in his first game after changing teams and the first 37/12 game in Rockets franchise history since Hakeem Olajuwon in 1994-95.
In the past 25 seasons, at the time, only four payers had games with at least 37 points, 12 assists, 6 rebounds, 4 steals and 1 blocked shot - Michael Jordan (1988-89 Chicago Bulls), Larry Bird (1991-92 Boston Celtics), Dwyane Wade (2008-09 Miami Heat) and Harden (2012).
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