Dec. 14 (UPI) -- James Harden's triple-double included a deep trey in LeBron James' face and a dunk on JaVale McGee in the Houston Rockets' win against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The reigning NBA MVP had 50 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in the 126-111 win on Thursday at Toyota Center in Houston.
His dunk came with 9:10 remaining in the first quarter. Harden faced up with Lakers guard Lonzo Ball at the 3-point line before blazing by Ball's left hip and dashing into the paint.
He then elevated over the 7-foot McGee, smashing in a powerful dunk with his left hand and forcing the Lakers center to the floor. Harden then flexed for a celebration. That shot gave the Lakers a 10-6 advantage.
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Harden's dramatic 3-pointer came with 3:14 remaining in regulation. He dribbled up to the 3-point line while James was defending. Harden stepped into James as he launched a very deep shot, he fell to the ground as the ball flew through the air before rolling around the rim and falling into the net. The shot gave the Rockets a 118-106 advantage.
LeBron James led the Lakers with 29 points in the loss. Kyle Kuzma netted 24 points for Los Angeles.
Sheesh 🔥 pic.twitter.com/YUPIPQGZCx
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 14, 2018
"Good game," Harden told reporters when asked for his thoughts on the 50-point triple-double.
"Now we've gotta move on to Memphis, which is going to be a tough opponent. They're playing well right now as well."
13 Over 23 🔥#MVP With 46! pic.twitter.com/eyXJluo803
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 14, 2018
Harden leads the league with a career-best 30.8 points per game this season. The Rockets face the Memphis Grizzlies at 8 p.m. on Saturday at FedExForum in Memphis. The Lakers face the Charlotte Hornets at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C.