James Harden’s 55-Point Outburst Pushes Clippers Past Hornets; Gillespie Delivers for Suns; Bagley Takes Leadership Role in Washington
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Clippers
James Harden set a franchise record with 55 points and knocked down 10 three-pointers Saturday night, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 131-116 victory over the Charlotte Hornets at Crypto.com Arena. The win halted a three-game losing streak for L.A.
The 34-year-old guard erupted for 27 points in the first quarter alone, hitting five threes before Charlotte settled in. His 55-point performance matched the highest single-game total in the NBA this season, equaling outings by Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. It also marked the 25th 50-point game of Harden’s career, tying Kobe Bryant for third on the all-time list, according to ESPN Research.
Ivica Zubac added 18 points, nine rebounds and six assists as the Clippers rebuilt a cushion after the Hornets trimmed the margin to two midway through the third quarter. Rookie Kon Knueppel scored 26 for Charlotte, and Brandon Miller returned from a shoulder injury to contribute 21.
Suns
Collin Gillespie keyed a frantic rally Friday night, helping the Phoenix Suns erase an eight-point deficit in the final minute against the Minnesota Timberwolves before driving for a short jumper that secured the win. Head coach Jordan Ott said he trusted the third-year guard with the ball because Gillespie consistently “solves problems on the fly” while adapting to a larger role created by injuries.
Gillespie is averaging 11.0 points and has scored in double figures in four consecutive games. After his go-ahead bucket, he helped contain Anthony Edwards on Minnesota’s final possession. “CG, he’s a hooper,” Dillon Brooks told The Athletic. “And he battles every day.”
Wizards
At 26, Marvin Bagley III has unexpectedly become one of the veteran voices inside the Washington Wizards’ young locker room. Bagley recently addressed teammates about his own path—entering the NBA at 18, struggling without veteran guidance and learning “hard lessons on the fly.”
“I didn’t really have the older vets to guide me,” Bagley said. “It felt like I had to figure things out by myself. That’s a hard spot to be in, especially in this league.” He urged teammates not to grow comfortable with losing as the Wizards continue searching for stability.
Source: Hoops Wire
