James Harden was called a “master of the game” after his 47-point haul helped the Houston Rockets beat the Los Angeles Clippers.
Former NBA Most Valuable Player Harden also added six rebounds and seven assists in the 102-93 win.
The Rockets were down 84-80 with under six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter before Harden stepped up with 17 points to turn the game on its head.
“He’s a special player, no doubt about it,” said Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni.
“It’s not like we haven’t seen it before, and we’ll see it again. He’s amazing. He’s just a master of the game.”
The victory left the Rockets, who have won eight games and lost three, second in the Western Conference.
The Los Angeles Lakers, who beat an injury-hit Golden State Warriors 120-94, are top having won nine matches and lost two.
LeBron James scored 23 points for the Lakers and Kyle Kuzma 22 in their comfortable win.
