James Harden Sets Clippers Record With 55 in Win Over Hornets

James Harden put on a show Saturday afternoon, scoring a Clippers-record 55 points to help Los Angeles beat the Charlotte Hornets 131–116. The win ended the Clippers’ three-game losing streak and gave them a boost on the road.

James Harden came out firing right away. He knocked down 10 of his 14 three-point attempts and went 17-for-26 from the field overall. He also hit 11 of 14 free throws. By halftime, James Harden already had 35 points — the most any NBA player has scored in a first half this season. He started the third quarter with another three-pointer, making it clear he wasn’t slowing down.

Ivica Zubac backed him up with 18 points and nine rebounds. Brook Lopez scored 11 off the bench, and John Collins added 10 points as the Clippers spread the scoring around behind Harden’s big night.

Los Angeles controlled most of the second half. They opened the fourth quarter with six straight points to build a 102–82 lead. The Clippers stayed hot on offense, scoring at least 34 points in three different quarters and finishing 19-for-43 from three-point range (44.2%).

Charlotte struggled from deep, going just 11-for-36 (30.6%) from behind the arc. Still, the Hornets had some strong performances. Kon Knueppel led the team with 26 points. Brandon Miller returned to the lineup for the first time since Oct. 22 and scored 21 points as a starter. Miles Bridges added 19, while LaMelo Ball and Collin Sexton each scored 18. It was only Ball’s third game since Nov. 1.

The Hornets also dealt with injuries during the game. Center Ryan Kalkbrenner left the first half with a left ankle injury, and Pat Connaughton played only six minutes before exiting with calf soreness, leaving Charlotte shorthanded.

This win was just the Clippers’ second in their last eight road games, but James Harden’s huge performance might be exactly what they needed to turn things around.

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