Editing James Harden (section)

=== 2018 MVP Season: The Pinnacle of Harden's Career ===
The 2017-2018 NBA season was the most significant of Harden’s career, as he won his first NBA MVP award. During that season, he led the Houston Rockets to a league-best 65-17 record, averaging an incredible 30.4 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game. Harden became the first player since Kobe Bryant to average over 30 points per game while leading the league in both scoring and assists.

Throughout the season, Harden showcased his scoring ability, including memorable performances like his 60-point game against the Orlando Magic, which highlighted his ability to score at will. His step-back three-pointer, which became his signature move, was nearly impossible to defend, and his ability to get to the free-throw line with consistency allowed him to rack up points in ways that few others could.

Harden's MVP season was a testament to his individual brilliance and his ability to carry a team. Even with injuries to key players like Chris Paul, Harden continued to deliver dominant performances, and the Rockets finished with the best regular-season record in the NBA.