Heading into Saturday’s early game in Charlotte, the Clippers were struggling at 4-11 and riding a three-game losing streak. But former MVP James Harden delivered a dominant performance to carry Los Angeles to a much-needed 15-point win.
As Law Murray of The Athletic reports, Harden exploded for a franchise-record 55 points on remarkable efficiency, shooting 17-of-26 from the floor and 10-of-16 from three-point distance.
The 36-year-old guard added seven assists and three rebounds in just 35 minutes, and he set the tone immediately by pouring in a career-best 27 points in the opening quarter.
According to Murray, Harden has now posted 25 games with at least 50 points, tying Kobe Bryant for the third-most 50-point performances in league history. Only Wilt Chamberlain (118) and Michael Jordan (31) remain ahead of him.
“Needed a win,” Harden said afterward, reflecting the urgency surrounding the Clippers’ slow start. “At this point, it’s about winning. So, I had to do what I had to do.”
As ESPN News Services points out, Harden’s 55-point outing now matches Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic for the highest-scoring game of the current season.
James Harden is now tied for third in NBA history with 25 50-point games. Read more: https://t.co/zAOOxINgHR
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) November 24, 2025
