James Harden erupted for a franchise-record 55 points, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 131-116 road victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday. This performance not only set a new high for the Clippers but also tied him with Kobe Bryant for the third-most 50-point games in NBA history.
Harden was unstoppable from the opening tip, scoring 27 points in the first quarter alone, including five three-pointers. He finished the game shooting 17-of-26 from the field and made 10 three-pointers, tying a career high. His efficiency and volume scoring overwhelmed the Hornets’ defense, and he added seven assists, showcasing his all-around playmaking ability in his 17th NBA season at age 36.
This marked Harden’s 25th career 50-point game, moving him into a tie with Bryant. The previous Clippers record of 52 points was shared by Charles Smith and Bob McAdoo. Harden’s 55 points also tie for the highest-scoring game of the current NBA season, matching efforts by Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and rank as the 11th-highest scoring output of his illustrious career.
The Clippers built an early lead thanks to Harden’s hot hand, but the Hornets fought back, narrowing the gap to 74-72 in the third quarter. A key turning point came when Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball picked up his fourth foul and had to exit, disrupting their momentum. With Hornets center Ryan Kalkbrenner injured early with an ankle issue, the Clippers capitalized on size mismatches, leading to easy baskets and sustained offensive pressure.
Ivica Zubac supported Harden with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, providing a strong interior presence. For the Hornets, rookie Kon Knueppel scored 26 points, and Brandon Miller, returning from a 13-game absence due to a shoulder injury, added 21 points. Despite their efforts, Charlotte could not contain Harden’s scoring barrage and extended their losing streak to five games.
After the game, Harden downplayed individual accolades, focusing on the team’s success. ‘Needed a win,’ he said. ‘At this point, it’s about winning. So, I had to do what I had to do.’ Clippers coach Tyronn Lue praised Harden’s decision-making, noting, ‘He carried us offensively… I thought we did it the right way—got the ball to the second side, and then he was able to get to his actions.’
The victory snapped a three-game losing streak for the Clippers, providing a much-needed boost as they await the return of star forward Kawhi Leonard from injury. Harden’s performance, where he is averaging 26.5 points per game this season—his highest since the 2019-20 campaign—suggests he remains a vital force in the league despite his age.
At 36, Harden’s record-setting night is a testament to his longevity and skill, reminding fans and opponents alike of his scoring prowess. As the Clippers look to build on this win, Harden’s ability to take over games could be crucial for their playoff aspirations in a competitive Western Conference, highlighting his enduring impact on the sport.
