Rockets' James Harden: Picks up third triple-double of season

Harden registered 26 points (7-17 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 9-11 FT), 14 assists, 12 rebounds and three steals across 32 minutes in Thursday's 126-109 win over the Trail Blazers.

Analysis:

After struggling to a 4-of-16 mark from the field one night earlier against the Thunder, Harden made his presence felt right away Thursday, picking up 16 points, six boards and six assists in the opening period. His production would slow down a bit thereafter, but Harden still ended up finishing with his third triple-double of the season in a decisive win. The Rockets welcomed Patrick Beverley (knee) back into the lineup for the first time this season, but as expected the point guard ceded primary ball-handling duties to Harden. It doesn't seem likely that Beverley's arrival will hurt Harden's league-leading assist total.