NBA Power Rankings: Here comes the trade deadline

The Rockets had a wonderful performance by James Harden in their first game of the week, with James Harden stepping up with Chris Paul and Trevor Ariza resting due to injuries, registering the first 60-point triple-double in NBA history. Harden added 10 rebounds and 11 assists, on a night when he had to take over for the team, especially after Eric Gordon left early with back spasms. Harden played nearly 47 minutes, a career-high, and completed a four-point play in the final minute to give the Rockets the advantage they needed for the victor. They were able to pick up another win over an in-state rival, polishing off the Spurs in a 102-91 victory, in a game where they were ahead by double digits for most of the 48 minutes.

The Rockets had a good old time against the Cavaliers in their final game of the week, knocking off LeBron James on national television. The Rockets had a 35 point lead in the third quarter, and had so thoroughly mentally won the game at that point, Cleveland players were left just gazing off into the stands during timeouts. They’ve won eight of their last nine games, and are just two games back of the Warriors for first place in the Western Conference.