James Harden Shines with 55 Points and Breaks Records
In a stellar performance that will be etched in the memory of fans, James Harden scored 55 points and made 10 three-pointers, setting a new scoring record for the LA Clippers in their 131-116 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday.
This achievement marks Harden’s twenty-fifth game of 50 points or more in his career, tying Kobe Bryant for third place in NBA history in this category. The Clippers’ previous record, with 52 points, belonged to Charles Smith and Bob McAdoo.
Ivica Zubac contributed 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists for the Clippers, who managed to break a three-game losing streak.
Harden, 36, unleashed his scoring fury with 27 points in the first quarter, including five three-pointers, which helped the Clippers build a 14-point lead in the first half, countering the Hornets’ good start, who made seven of their first eight shots.
Kon Knueppel led the Hornets with 26 points, in a game where the team suffered its fifth consecutive loss. Brandon Miller, after a 13-game absence due to a shoulder injury, returned and contributed 21 points.
The game became decisive when LaMelo Ball had to leave the game after committing his fourth foul. In addition, Ryan Kalkbrenner’s early exit due to an ankle injury allowed the Clippers to take advantage of Zubac’s size advantage over Moussa Diabate in the third quarter, resulting in several points for the Clippers.
Harden’s peak moment came when he scored his eighth three-pointer with a step-back shot over two defenders, drawing a foul from Diabate and completing a four-point play.
Harden’s 55-point performance is the eleventh highest of his career and ties the season’s highest mark with Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Harden’s personal record is 61 points.
