Jordan: Six titles tougher than players’ streaks
When asked which streak is harder between James Harden and Russell Westbrook, Michael Jordan jokes that his six titles were the toughest accomplishment. (0:37)
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Michael Jordan said James Harden‘s streak of 30 straight 30-point games and Russell Westbrook‘s 10 straight triple-doubles are both impressive and tough to accomplish.
But the Charlotte Hornets‘ owner said Tuesday — flashing a big grin — that there is one accomplishment tougher than both of those feats: “Which is harder from the player’s standpoint? Six championships, by all means.”
Russell Westbrook made history Monday night with his 10th consecutive triple-double, passing Wilt Chamberlain’s mark of nine straight set in 1968.
James Harden, limited to 11 points at halftime, got on a roll in the second half despite a bothersome shoulder to pull within one 30-point game of tying Wilt Chamberlain for the second-longest 30-point streak in NBA history.
Jordan, who won six titles with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s, praised both players for what they’re doing, noting that both streaks are hard to accomplish.
Jordan said the milestones show “the talent that we have within the league.”
“It shows progression in the league,” Jordan said during an interview at the Hornets’ facility while discussing the upcoming All-Star Weekend. “I am very proud of how both guys have done because they are making a mark for the league, and I think it really helps grow the league.”
Harden needed a late scoring spree on Monday night to extend his streak to 30 games, scoring 11 points in the final 100 seconds as the Rockets defeated the Dallas Mavericks 120-104. Harden, who is playing with a strained left shoulder, reached the 30-point mark by swishing a 30-foot pull-up jumper with 52.9 seconds remaining.
Westbrook finished with 21 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists to notch his 10th straight triple-double in the Thunder’s 120-111 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, breaking a tie with Wilt Chamberlain for the most consecutive triple-doubles.
Both players will be in Charlotte this weekend for the All-Star Game.