Harden’s 55 points set Clippers record in win over Hornets
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — James Harden poured in 55 points, drilling 10 three-pointers, as the LA Clippers beat the Charlotte Hornets 131-116 on Saturday night and snapped a three-game skid.
The 55 points stand as the highest single-game total in franchise history, eclipsing the 52 points previously shared by Charles Smith and Bob McAdoo. It marked the 25th 50-point performance of Harden’s 17-year career, tying Kobe Bryant for the third-most 50-point outings in NBA history, according to ESPN Research.
Ivica Zubac supported Harden with 18 points, nine rebounds and six assists. The Clippers relied on his size advantage after Hornets center Ryan Kalkbrenner exited early with an ankle injury.
Harden, 36, exploded for 27 points in the first quarter, sinking five threes to erase Charlotte’s quick 7-of-8 shooting start and help LA build a 14-point cushion by halftime. The Hornets trimmed the deficit to 74-72 in the third period, but momentum stalled when LaMelo Ball collected his fourth foul.
With Moussa Diabate defending the paint, Zubac threw down consecutive dunks before Harden buried a step-back three over two defenders, drew a foul on Diabate and completed a four-point play — his eighth triple of the night.
Rookie Kon Knueppel led Charlotte with 26 points, while Brandon Miller returned from a 13-game absence caused by a shoulder injury and scored 21. The Hornets have dropped five straight.
Harden’s 55 tied Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the highest scoring game in the league this season and ranks as the 11th-highest output of his career. His personal best is 61.
Source: ESPN
