James Harden is averaging 36.5 points per game currently, Michael Jordan in the modern era has the record (5th all time in ppg in a season) with 37.1 Harden would need to increase his scoring average by 0.6. 1. Wilt Chamberlain* 50.36 1961-62 2. Wilt Chamberlain* 44.83 1962-63 3. Wilt Chamberlain* 38.39 1960-61 4. Wilt Chamberlain* 37.60 1959-60 5. Michael Jordan* 37.09 1986-87 6. Wilt Chamberlain* 36.85 1963-64 7. James Harden 36.48 2018-19 9 games remain in the NBA season harden needs to score 2856 TOTAL points in for the season to average 37.09. He has currently scored 2517 this season. Therefore he needs to average 37.7 points a game for 9 games to tie Jordan for this record.
I read something like averaging 40ppg to do it. And honestly its so crazy that my first thought was ""Oh yea he can do it fersure"...And I hope he does.
Doubtful but then again he dropped 57 and 61 for 2 games and at the time his average 36.1 per game. In 2 (insane) games, he's bumped his average up from 36.1 to 36.48. It's possible if he continues his tear down the stretch. Just seems unlikely. That said I'm hopeful the Rockets finish the season strong post ASB 22-3. I'm standing by the prediction until the end.
@ NOP, @ MIL, vs DEN, vs SAC, @ SAC, @ LAC, vs NY, @ PHX, vs OKC I think he could...mix in a couple of 40 point games against MIL, DEN, LAC, and OKC, and then really boost his ppg average against the likes of SAC, NY, and PHX
It would be cool but I really don't care if he catches Jordan. I do hope he drops 50+ on the Bucks and the Rockets get the win. That should go a long way in the MVP debate. And with Brogdon out I think it's doable. Brogdon gave him fits last game.
That's if Harden plays all 82 games. So far, he has only played 69/73 games, if he plays all remaining 9 games he will be at 78 total. [(78*37.09) - (69*36.48)]/9 = 41.767 So he's gotta average close to 42 ppg the rest of the way if he intends on playing all of the remaining games to catch Michael
The okc game which is the last game of the season is probably gonna be to clinch the 3 seed with the way things are going blazers are right on our neck for the 3 seed
Harden's last 61 point game moved his PPG from 36.1 to 36.5. He just needs two more 60 point game to catch Jordan!
I personally believe that Harden may be rested for one of the remaining games in case our seeding gets permanently decided. Supposing Harden only plays 8 games of the remaining 9 games he will have to score 42.5 points per game in those 8 games to better Jordan. It is not impossible though I have a feeling that Harden is mainly interested in winning at the moment. Whether that comes from him scoring 61 points or 28 points in any single game is another matter. Harden did average over 43 points in the month of February so anything is possible but less likely.
Harden played 69 total games this season 2517/69 is 36.5 He’s going to play 78 games this season He needs 2894/78 to average 37.1 in a season 2894-2517 is 41.8 MY BAD GUYS I MISCALCULATED THE SEASON AS 77 GAMES INSTEAD OF 78 for harden.
The problem will be if they start resting him for part/all of games. Depends some on how the seeding situation ends up over the next few games.
I don't think Harden will catch that Jordan total. Personally, I would LOVE for him to stay above 36.0ppg. Would be strong!
For the rest of the way I rather harden avg 25 mpg and the rest of the scrubs learn to spell their starters!