The scoring exploits have become so commonplace for Rockets guard James Harden that he seems to hardly bat an eyelash when someone relays to him the latest of his extraordinary achievements.

For Harden and, by proxy, Houston, the latest accomplishment came Monday in New Orleans when Harden poured in 39 points in a 122-116 victory over the Pelicans that extended the Rockets' winning streak to four games after splitting their first six of the season. With an NBA-leading 373 points this season, Harden has produced the most points through 10 games in the past 50 seasons.

The Rockets' championship aspirations are intrinsically tied to Harden, and when he is at his very best, so is Houston, which will host the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday at Toyota Center.