Rockets GM thinks James Harden averaging 40 points per game is possible

James Harden has been on an absolute tear lately, and it’s one his GM thinks he can keep up.

Harden entered Saturday averaging a career-best 33.6 points per game. He had a 50-point game and 47-point effort last month, and he’s scored over 40 points per game in five straight contests.

Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey doesn’t see why Harden couldn’t keep up the pace.

"Obviously he can't keep scoring 40 a game, but …" I said Thursday night, prefacing a question about James Harden.

"Why not?" Daryl Morey interrupted, kinda chuckling but not kidding. "I mean, honestly. History would say probably not, but he’s a very unique offensive player."

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) January 5, 2019

Harden still has a lot of work to get to Wilt Chamberlain territory, but Michael Jordan’s 37.09 points per game in 1986-87 seems like a mark that might be attainable.

The hot streak has all coincided with winning. Houston has won six in a row and 11 of their last 12, including a great win over Golden State. Even without Chris Paul, they’re looking like one of the top teams in the league again.