Thunder's Harden wins Sixth Man of the Year

By Jeff Latzke

Associated Press

Published: Thursday, May 10 2012 2:11 p.m. MDT

FILE - This April 18, 2012 file photo shows Oklahoma City Thunder guard James Harden reacting to a three-pointer against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of an NBA basketball game, in Phoenix. Harden's dominant fourth-quarter performance in a clinching Game 4 victory against Dallas was only the latest step in his recent rise to prominence.

Matt York, File, Associated Press

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Summary

Oklahoma City's James Harden is the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year after leading all bench players in scoring this season.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City's James Harden is the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year after leading all bench players in scoring this season.

Harden averaged 16.8 points on career-best 49 percent shooting this season, and he recorded his first career 40-point game last month in a win at Phoenix. The bearded combo guard also became known in the final week of the regular season when he sustained a concussion while taking an elbow from the Los Angeles Lakers' Metta World Peace.

He recovered in time to return for the playoffs and was the star of the Thunder's fourth-quarter comeback to beat Dallas in the clinching Game 4 of their opening round sweep.

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