The 2019-20 NBA Scoring Champion: James Harden
James Harden's stellar performance in the 2019-20 NBA season was a testament to his exceptional scoring prowess. On November 30, Harden's team secured a 158-111 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, with Harden himself scoring an impressive 60 points (16-24 FG, 8-14 3Pt, 20-23 FT). This was just one of the many games where Harden showcased his scoring prowess, as he consistently delivered high-scoring performances throughout the season.
The 2019-20 NBA season was unlike any other due to the global lockdown imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The NBA had to adapt, and the regular season extended from late October 2019 to mid-August 2020, with the playoffs concluding in October. Despite the unusual circumstances, Harden's performance was nothing short of extraordinary.
Harden, playing for the Houston Rockets, finished the regular season as the NBA's top scorer with an average of 34.3 points per game. He was one of only three players to score at least 30 points per game, joining Bradley Beal (Wizards, 30.5) and Damian Lillard (Trail Blazers, 30.0). The top five scorers were rounded out by Trae Young (Hawks, 29.6 ppg) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks, 29.5 ppg).
Harden's scoring prowess was on full display during a game against the Atlanta Hawks on November 30, where he scored 60 points in a 158-111 win. This was one of five games in the regular season where Harden scored at least 50 points. His other high-scoring performances included 59 points against the Wizards, 55 points against the Cavaliers, 54 points against the Magic, and 50 points against the Spurs. Interestingly, the Rockets won 4 out of 5 games when Harden scored 50 or more points.
Harden's impact extended beyond scoring. He scored 40 or more points in 21 games, and he scored at least 30 points in over half of his regular-season appearances (44 out of 68). His versatility was further showcased through his double-doubles and triple-doubles. In one of his triple-double games, Harden recorded 44 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in a 118-108 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on January 3, 2020. This was a rare feat for a backcourt player, as he consistently filled the stat sheet.
Harden's impressive numbers included 7.5 assists, 6.6 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game, all while logging 36.5 minutes per game. He was named to the 2020 All-Star Game and the All-NBA 1st Team. Harden's performance also earned him a top-three finish in the MVP race, behind Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James. Despite leading the Rockets to the playoffs, they were eliminated in the Western Conference Semifinals by the Los Angeles Lakers, who went on to win the 2020 NBA Finals.
In 12 postseason contests, Harden averaged 29.6 points, 7.7 assists, 5.6 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game. His shooting percentages during the playoffs were impressive, with 47.8% from the field and 33.3% from 3-point range. Overall, Harden's 2019-20 season was a testament to his exceptional scoring ability and all-around impact on the court.
