Harden’s 55-Point Showcase Headlines Pacific Division Updates
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Los Angeles guard James Harden erupted for a franchise-record 55 points on Saturday afternoon in Charlotte, lifting the Clippers to a 15-point win that halted a three-game slide. The 36-year-old finished 17-of-26 from the floor and 10-of-16 from beyond the arc while adding seven assists and three rebounds in 35 minutes.
Harden poured in a career-best 27 points in the opening quarter and logged his 25th career game with at least 50 points, tying Kobe Bryant for third place on the NBA’s all-time list. Only Wilt Chamberlain (118) and Michael Jordan (31) have more. His 55-point effort matches Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić for the league’s highest single-game total this season.
Kings
After the Kings dropped their eighth straight contest on Thursday, veteran forward DeMar DeRozan voiced uncertainty about his future in Sacramento. Following Saturday’s victory in Denver, head coach Doug Christie said he keeps communication lines open regarding trade-deadline concerns. “When it comes to the business of basketball, I talk to all of our players,” Christie noted. “All of that stuff is extremely difficult … It’s part of what we do.”
Suns
Jalen Green will sit out Monday’s matchup against his former team, the Rockets, due to the hamstring injury that has bothered him since training camp. Although “a little bummed,” the Suns guard told reporters he remains vocal from the bench. “Guys got their head down, I’m always going to pick somebody up,” Green said. “I know I’m a leader of this team. My voice is important.”
Lakers
With LeBron James back in the starting lineup on Tuesday, Marcus Smart shifted to a reserve role and logged a season-low 17 minutes. The veteran guard said he adapts to whatever is required. “I like to think of myself as a Swiss Army knife,” Smart explained. “People come back, people get hurt … You have to adjust to whatever the game is calling for at that moment.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
