The Los Angeles Clippers were looking for answers after dropping nine of their last ten games, and on Saturday afternoon in Charlotte, they found them in a historic performance from James Harden. 

The 36-year-old guard erupted for a franchise-record 55 points, leading the Clippers to a much-needed 131-116 victory over the Charlotte Hornets and snapping their three-game losing streak.

Harden’s Record-Breaking Night

Harden was unstoppable from the opening tip, pouring in 27 points in the first quarter alone while knocking down five three-pointers to set the tone for what would become a historic evening. 

By halftime, he had already reached 35 points, the most any player has scored in a single half this NBA season, and he never let up from there.

The former MVP finished the game shooting 17-of-26 from the field and an incredible 10-of-16 from beyond the arc, shattering the previous Clippers single-game scoring record of 52 points that had been shared by Charles Smith and Bob McAdoo since 1990. 

His 55-point outburst marked the 11th-highest scoring game of his career and tied him with Kobe Bryant for the third-most 50-point games in NBA history with 25.

“Just trying to find ways to win games,” Harden said after the game. “It’s gonna be every single night… Basketball is life.”

Role Players Step Up

While Harden’s performance dominated the headlines, he received solid support from Ivica Zubac, who contributed 18 points, nine rebounds and six assists for the Clippers. 

With Hornets center Ryan Kalkbrenner leaving the game early with an ankle injury, Zubac took advantage of his size matchup against Moussa Diabate in the third quarter, throwing down back-to-back dunks to help extend the Clippers’ lead.

Veteran guard Chris Paul also made an impact in what is expected to be his final game in his home state of North Carolina, dishing out eight assists while showcasing his court vision by finding teammate Brook Lopez for three open three-pointers in the second half.

Looking Ahead to Cleveland

The victory improves the Clippers to 5-11 on the season, but there’s little time to celebrate as they face a quick turnaround with a back-to-back game on Sunday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

The matchup will be particularly significant for Los Angeles, as star forward Kawhi Leonard is expected to return to action after missing 10 consecutive games with a sprained right ankle and foot.

“I don’t know how long it’s going to be, but he has definitely gotten better,” Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue said earlier in the week about Leonard’s recovery.

Leonard’s return couldn’t come at a better time for a Clippers team that has struggled mightily in his absence, going just 1-9 during his time on the sideline. The six-time All-Star was averaging 24.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.5 steals in six games before his injury.

For Charlotte, the loss extends their losing streak to five games and drops them to 4-12 on the season, with rookie Kon Knueppel leading the way with 26 points and Brandon Miller adding 21 points in his return from a 13-game absence due to a shoulder injury.

The Clippers will look to build momentum when they visit Cleveland on Sunday night, while the Hornets travel to Atlanta to face the Hawks.