James Harden Notches First Career Triple-Double in Rockets' Win over Bobcats

For the first time in his young career, 23-year-old James Harden has compiled a triple-double. The Bearded One finished with 21 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds.

Based off of what we know about Harden, this is likely to be the first of many triple-doubles to come.

Per usual, Harden was the catalyst to the Houston Rockets' offense. His scoring was key, while his 11 dimes were a part of 27 assists as a team.

The result of this quality ball movement was a 109-95 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats.

Entering tonight, Harden had put together four double-doubles during his three-year career. All four of those came this season.

Never had he registered a triple-double.

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James Harden recorded his 1st career triple-double Saturday. Prior to Sat. he had just 2 games with 10+ Reb and 2 others with 10+ Ast

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 3, 2013"

It's worth noting that Harden spent his first three years under Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook's shadows as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Since joining Houston, Harden has been one of the most well-rounded statistical performers at his position. Amongst shooting guards, Harden ranks second in scoring, fifth in rebounds and first in assists.

For the first time, Harden put it all together and notched a triple-double.

As for his team, the Rockets are now 26-23. They're 1.5 games ahead of the Portland Trail Blazers for eighth in the Western Conference and one game behind the Utah Jazz for seventh.

The Bobcats fell to an NBA-worst 11-35.

Harden has been carrying the Rockets to success since the opening game of the season. For that reason, it's quite likely that we will witness more of his impressive game in the near future.

Until then, congratulations on a career feat, Mr. Harden.