The Houston Rockets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 126-111 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Houston, who had two consecutive wins after defeating Portland two days ago, scored 13-14 in the season and chased down the middle of the Western Conference.
The Los Angeles Lakers finished fifth in the Western Conference's Golden State Warriors with a 1.5-game losing streak (17-11).
Houston 's victory was the "Tall boos" Harden, who won the regular season MVP award last season.
Harden scored 50 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds, and played "Extraordinary Performance", the 37th overall and the second triple-double of the season.
Harden is the fourth player to score a triple double with more than 50 points.
The second half of the fourth quarter was the highlight.
Harden, who had three free throws in a four-and-a-half minute lead over the 109-106, finished the game with 12 points in three consecutive shots.
After 123-111, he scored two free throws, added a hook, and made his final score.
Clint Capela (16 points, 14 rebounds) and Chris Paul (14 points, 9 assists) helped to win.
"We are in a tight spot now," Harden said. "We have to find a way out and we will do that."
LeBron James (29 points, five rebounds) and Kyle Kuzma (24 points, five assists) combined more than 50 points, but the Lakers were not able to stop Harden in Houston.
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