James Harden delivered a historic night, pouring in a franchise-record 55 points to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 131–116 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday in Charlotte.
Harden knocked down 10 three-pointers and exploded for 27 points in the opening quarter, quickly swinging momentum after the Hornets opened the game by hitting seven of their first eight shots. His scoring barrage helped the Clippers build a 14-point halftime lead and set the tone for the rest of the night.
Ivica Zubac added 18 points, nine rebounds, and six assists as Los Angeles snapped a three-game losing streak. The Clippers leaned heavily on Zubac’s size advantage in the third quarter after Charlotte center Ryan Kalkbrenner exited early with an ankle injury. Back-to-back dunks followed, before Harden delivered the signature moment of the game: a step-back three over two defenders while drawing a foul for a four-point play.
Charlotte briefly cut the deficit to 74–72 in the third quarter, but the rally stalled when LaMelo Ball picked up his fourth foul and was forced to the bench. Rookie Kon Knueppel led the Hornets with 26 points, while Brandon Miller returned from a 13-game absence due to a shoulder injury and scored 21.
Harden’s 55-point performance marked the 11th-highest scoring game of his career and surpassed the Clippers’ previous single-game record of 52.
The game also carried emotional weight, coming hours after 40-year-old Chris Paul released a video hinting this season could be his last. Paul, who grew up in North Carolina, finished what may be his final game in his home state with eight assists.
Both teams continue their road trips Sunday, with the Clippers visiting Cleveland and the Hornets traveling to Atlanta.
