Harden records first 60-point triple-double in NBA history

James Harden had a game for the ages Tuesday night, first breaking a 40-year-old team record and then doing something that's never been done in NBA history.

The superstar got things started by breaking the Houston Rockets' all-time single-game scoring record, and then capped his historic night by recording the first 60-point triple-double in league history by adding 11 assists and 10 rebounds as Houston pulled away for a 114-107 victory over the visiting Orlando Magic.

After matching his previous career high of 56 points late in the fourth quarter, Harden officially carved his name into the record books by completing a 4-point play.

The Rockets' previous single-game scoring record of 57 points belonged to Hall of Famer Calvin "The Pocket Rocket" Murphy, who was in attendance at Toyota Center on Tuesday. Murphy was shown cheering on Harden, who broke the long-standing record that was set in 1978.

Harden's previous career high of 56 points came on Nov. 5 this season against the Utah Jazz. Overall, Tuesday's effort against the Magic was his ninth career 50-point game.