Harden returns vs. Trail Blazers, scores 44 in OT loss
The Beard is back.
Houston Rockets superstar James Harden started Saturday against the Portland Trail Blazers, finishing the game with 44 points in a 128-126 overtime loss.
Harden traveled to Portland after completing his league-mandated four-day quarantine Friday. The 2018 MVP made his 2020-21 debut after Houston's scheduled season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder was postponed because the Rockets weren't able to dress eight players.
The 31-year-old was issued a $50,000 fine and forced to quarantine following the NBA's investigation into a video clip of him attending an indoor social gathering earlier in December.
Harden was able to avoid any missed games and additional penalties because of the postponement. If Houston's matchup against Oklahoma City had carried on as scheduled, Harden would have been docked $567,000 - the equivalent of one game check - for missing the contest.
Even with Harden, the Rockets were significantly shorthanded Saturday. Four players - John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Eric Gordon, and Mason Jones - were unavailable because they're quarantining in accordance with contact-tracing protocols. Ben McLemore and Kenyon Martin Jr. didn't play as they continue self-isolating, while Chris Clemons is sidelined for the season with a torn Achilles tendon.
Harden, an eight-time All-Star, has captured the league's scoring title in three consecutive seasons. He averaged 34.3 points across 68 starts during the 2019-20 campaign.