James Harden continued to keep history in his viewfinder Monday night.
Carrying the load for a shorthanded Rockets squad, Harden set a team record with 36 first-half points to help Houston take a 54-48 lead on the visiting Memphis Grizzlies.
It also marked Harden's 17th consecutive 30-point game, the longest run of 30-point performances since Wilt Chamberlain's 20 straight during the 1963-64 season.
Entering Monday's game, Harden already had a 30-point triple-double and a 40-point triple-double against the Grizzlies this season.
Harden's uptick helped fill the void caused by the absences of center Clint Capela (thumb), Chris Paul (hamstring) and Eric Gordon (knee).