NBA wrap: Harden erupts in Rockets' victory, Giannis bullies Knicks

Los Angeles, December 22: James Harden soared to fourth for 40-point games in NBA history on Saturday (December 21), while Giannis Antetokounmpo maintained top form in a big win for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Houston Rockets star Harden hit nine three-pointers and went 15-of-27 from the field to finish with 47 points in a 135-129 win over the Phoenix Suns.

Only Wilt Chamberlain (271), Michael Jordan (173) and Kobe Bryant (122) have had more 40-point games than Harden's 89, the 30-year-old having surpassed Elgin Baylor's 88.

Russell Westbrook contributed 30 points and 10 assists as the Rockets (20-9) extended their winning run to three games.

Two days after downing the Los Angeles Lakers, Antetokounmpo made light work of the New York Knicks in 123-103 victory for the Bucks (26-4) at Madison Square Garden.

The reigning MVP posted a triple-double of 22 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in 26 minutes for the Eastern Conference leaders, while Kyle Korver chipped in with 17 points off the bench.

@JHarden13 passes Elgin Baylor for the 4th-most 40-point games (89) in @NBAHistory!

47 PTS | 9 3PM | 6 REB | 7 AST pic.twitter.com/Am3XXwze6T

— NBA (@NBA) December 22, 2019

Embiid lifts 76ers out of slump

Joel Embiid's 21 points and 13 rebounds led the Philadelphia 76ers to a 125-108 win against Washington Wizards, snapping a three-game losing streak.

Fuelled by Kawhi Leonard's 26 points, the Los Angeles Clippers strengthened their grip on second spot in the Western Conference with a 134-109 rout of the San Antonio Spurs.

Trae Young put up 47 points at Barclays Center but the Atlanta Hawks still lost 122-112 to the Brooklyn Nets, who were powered by Spencer Dinwiddie's 39 points and a double-double from DeAndre Jordan.

Batum blows cold

The Charlotte Hornets had just two starters, Terry Rozier and Devonte' Graham, reach double figures for points in a 114-107 home defeat to the Utah Jazz. Nicolas Batum failed to offer much help as the former first-round pick attempted four field goals and a solitary three-point shot in 30 minutes on the floor.

Thanasis soars

Bucks star Giannis had to share the spotlight in the Big Apple as older brother Thanasis Antetokounmpo produced a huge tip-in dunk in the fourth quarter.

THANASIS ELEVATION. pic.twitter.com/d6fZ9A3udh

— NBA (@NBA) December 22, 2019

Saturday's results

Houston Rockets 139-125 Phoenix Suns

Portland Trail Blazers 113-106 Minnesota Timberwolves

Utah Jazz 114-107 Charlotte Hornets

Brooklyn Nets 122-112 Atlanta Hawks

Chicago Bulls 119-107 Detroit Pistons

Philadelphia 76ers 125-108 Washington Wizards

Milwaukee Bucks 123-102 New York Knicks

Memphis Grizzlies 119-115 Sacramento Kings

Los Angeles Clippers 134-109 San Antonio Spurs

Nuggets at Lakers

After two successive losses and with LeBron James potentially missing due to a reported muscle problem, the Lakers (24-5) look vulnerable ahead of Sunday's game against the in-form Denver Nuggets (19-8) at Staples Center.