Top 5 NBA Single-Game Performances of the 2012-13 Season

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The 2012-13 NBA season is just one week old, but we have already had some magnificent single-game performances, and they all haven't been by whom you might expect.

Here are the top five single game performances so far. (Warning: If you are a Thunder fan, you may want to prepare yourself to see James Harden's name more than once.)

5. Dwight Howard 10/31 vs Portland: 33 Points, 14 Rebounds, 5 Assists

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After a year long struggle with the media about his public image and his landing in Los Angeles this summer, Dwight Howard came into this season with a lot of expectations. 

On opening night against Dallas, he finished with 19 points and 10 boards but he was an alarming 3-of-14 from the stripe.

The next night the Blazers tried to implement their own "Hack-A-Dwight" method. The results for Portland were anything but positive, as Dwight went 15-of-19 from the line and poured in 33 points, 14 boards and five dimes along the way.

4. Anderson Varejao 10/30 vs Washington: 9 Points, 23 Rebounds, 9 Assists

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Anderson Varejao is known by most from his years playing with LeBron James.

Varejao certainly made a name for himself on opening night by producing a dominant performance on the glass, as well as with some nifty dishes.

He finished with a career high 23 boards, along with nine points and nine assists.

3. Chris Bosh 11/03 vs. Denver: 40 Points, 7 Rebounds, 15-of-22 FGs

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In the two years Chris Bosh has been a member of the Miami Heat, he has spent a lot of time being an afterthought to LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. 

When the Miami Heat acquired Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis this summer, Bosh became almost more of a second thought coming into this year, but he has not disappointed in the first week of the 2012-13 season. 

On Sunday against Denver, Bosh was excellent, as he was an efficient 15-of-22 from the field, and put up a strong 40 points and 7 rebounds.

2. James Harden 11/02 vs. Atlanta: 45 Points, 7 Rebounds, 14-of-19 FGs

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If you weren't shocked by the news a week-and-a-half ago that James Harden was out of Oklahoma City, you were definitely in the minority. Most thought that even though Harden had an expiring contract, the Thunder would make a title run with their roster this season and then evaluate the issue next summer.

But Harden moved on to the Rockets, and alongside Jeremy Lin, he poured in 45 points and seven rebounds in just his second game in a Houston uniform.

1. James Harden 10/31 vs Detroit: 37 Points, 12 Assists, 6 Rebounds

Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE

When James Harden stepped on the court as a Houston Rockets, no one was really sure what to expect. He had struggled in the NBA Finals back in June but had performed well in the Olympics for Team USA this summer. 

He performed like he never has before in his debut for the Rockets as he scored 37 points, dished out 12 assists and grabbed 6 rebounds.