James Harden was born on August 26, 1989. Harden attended Artesia High School in Lakewood, California. In his sophomore year in high school, he averaged 13 points per game as Artesia went 28-5. In Harden's junior year, he averaged 19 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists per game and led Artesia to a 33-1 record and to the California State Title. Artesia won the state championship. Harden was named a McDonald's All-American and was named to his all state team. Harden also helped his AAU team Pump-N-Run Elite Team to the 2006 Las Vegas Adidas Super 64 Championship. Harden scored 34 points in victory over DC Assault which included Michael Beasley, Nolan Smith and Austin Freeman. James Harden committed to Arizona State over places like Arizona, UCLA, Washington and Washington State. Arizona State was supposed to place 9th in the Pac-10 Conference but they tied for 5th place. The Arizona State Sun Devils were a bubble team to make the NCAA Tournament but they didn't make it. They instead made it to the NIT Tournament. In the NIT Tournament, Arizona State was listed as a 1 seed. They took on the 8 seeded Alabama State Hornets and won 64-53. The next game was against the 4 seeded Southern Illinois Salukis, Arizona State defeated them 65-51. Then they took on the defending National Champion, Florida Gators and got beat 70-57. In Harden's sophomore season he was listed in preseason all-american lists and was on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Harden was put on the Wooden Award preseason watch list. On November 30, 2008 James Harden scored a career high of 40 points against UTEP. Harden was named the Pac-10 Player of the Year. Arizona State made it to the NCAA Tournament and lost in their first game against Syracuse. James Harden declared for the NBA Draft in 2009. James Harden was drafted 3rd overall to the Oklahoma City Thunder. In Harden's first season he averaged 9.9 points per game. In Harden's second year, he played all 82 games and averaged 12 points per game and averaged 13 points per game in the playoffs. In Harden's 3rd year, he scored a career high of 40 points against the Phoenix Suns. Four days later, Harden suffered a concussion after being elbowed to the face by Metta World Peace of the Los Angeles Lakers. At the end of Harden's 3rd year, he averaged 17 points per game which led all bench players. Harden won the 6th man of the year award. In 2012, Harden helped the Oklahoma City Thunder reach the NBA Finals against LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh making up the Miami Heat. The Thunder would go on to win game 1 but lose the rest. During the free agency period, Harden could not be re-signed so he was traded to the Houston Rockets. In the Rockets season opener, Harden scored 37 points, 12 assists, 6 rebounds, and 4 steals. Harden then scored a career high of 45 points against the Atlanta Hawks. Harden was named to the All-Star team that year. Harden recorded his first triple double against the Charlotte Bobcats. The Rockets made the playoffs as a #8 seed and they took on the Oklahoma City Thunder and lost in 6 games. In Harden's 5th season, Harden again was an all star selection. The Rockets entered the playoffs as a #4 seed. They took on the #5 seeded Portland Trail Blazers and lost in the first round. Harden was selected to the All NBA First Team. In Harden's 6th season, he became an MVP Player. Harden took 2nd place in the MVP running behind Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors. Harden made the all star team and was named to the All NBA First Team. In the playoffs, the Rockets were a #2 seed and took on the #7 Dallas Mavericks. The Houston Rockets won in 5 games. The Rockets then took on the #3 Los Angeles Clippers. The Rockets won that series in 7 games. Now they are competing in the Western Conference Finals against the Golden State Warriors.