In Focus: James Harden

James Harden strikes a memorable pose following his Oct. 27 trade from Oklahoma City to Houston. (Getty Images)
By Andy Gray
What a debut! Rockets guard James Harden, in his first game with the team, recorded 37 points, 12 assists and six rebounds in a 105-96 victory over the Pistons. As Houston celebrates its newest star, we look back at Harden’s rise to stardom.
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Harden gets ready to check in for Arizona State during a 2009 game against Washington. (Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
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Harden points to his new destination during the 2009 NBA draft. (Jennifer Pottheiser/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Harden breaks free for a dunk during Game 3 of the 2011 Western Conference finals against the Mavs. (Getty Images)
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Serge Ibaka, Russell Westbrook, Harden and Kevin Durant (from left to right) pose during Oklahoma City’s Media Day last month. (Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
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