Harden exploded for 40 points (14-31 FG, 6-8 FT, 6-14 3Pt) to go along with 13 assists, four rebounds and four steals across 41 minutes during Sunday’s win over the Lakers.

The Beard brought his A game for the head-to-head matchup with Kobe Bryant, who dropped in 35 points of his own. Harden had gone six games without reaching double-digit assists, but he shared the ball exceptionally Sunday and also managed to reach the 40-point plateau for the second time in the last four. As the Rockets fight for their playoff lives, Harden should be in for a monstrous finish to the season.