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James Harden, Trae Young become first opposing players to post 40-point triple-doubles

James Harden and Trae Young filled the stat sheet Wednesday night and set an NBA record: The two became the first opposing players to post 40-point triple-doubles in the same game, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

Harden tallied 41 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in the Houston Rockets’ 122-115 victory over the Hawks in Atlanta. Young countered with 42 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists.

Obviously, 40-point triple-doubles are rare, but prolific scorer Harden now has 15 in his career and trails only the legendary Oscar Robertson (22) for the most in NBA history.

Most 40-point triple-doubles, NBA history
Player Triple-doubles
Oscar Robertson 22
James Harden 15
Russell Westbrook 12
Wilt Chamberlain 7
LeBron James 6

It was Harden’s second 40-point triple-double in a row, and his second triple-double of the season. He posted 44 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in the Rockets’ win over the 76ers Friday night. Young also has two triple-doubles this season and three in his career.

Although the Hawks are the worst team in the Eastern Conference and 3-11 vs. the West this season, Young continues to have a stellar season. He has six 40-point games this season — the most in the East and the most by an Atlanta player since Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins logged eight of them in 1992-93.

In netting his triple-double on Wednesday, Young became one of the youngest players ever to have a 40-point triple-double.

Youngest players to have 40-point triple-double, NBA history
Player (Team) Date Age (Years-Days)
LeBron James (Cavs) April 9, 2005 20-100
Luka Doncic (Mavs) Nov. 18, 2019 20-263
Luka Doncic (Mavs) Dec. 12, 2019 20-287
LeBron James (Cavs) Feb. 15, 2006 21-047
Trae Young (Hawks) Jan. 8, 2020 21-111

Among active players, Russell Westbrook has recorded 12 40-point triple-doubles and LeBron James has logged six. Wilt Chamberlain managed the feat 12 times.

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