James Harden erupted for a franchise-record 55 points to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 131-116 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. The performance marked Harden's 25th career 50-point game, tying him with Kobe Bryant for third in NBA history. Chris Paul received a warm welcome from the home crowd in what may be his final game in North Carolina.
In a much-needed road win for the Clippers, who had dropped nine of their previous 10 games, James Harden dominated from the start. He scored 27 points in the first quarter alone, finishing with 55 points on 10 made three-pointers, tying his career high. This outburst set a new Los Angeles Clippers single-game scoring record and made Harden the only player to hold such records for multiple franchises.
Ivica Zubac contributed 18 points to the victory. For the Hornets, who suffered their fifth straight loss, rookie Kon Knueppel led with 26 points. Brandon Miller, returning after missing 13 games with a shoulder injury, added 21 points in the defeat.
The game held emotional weight for Chris Paul, who hails from North Carolina and recently suggested he plans to retire after this season. The Charlotte crowd gave him a standing ovation, chanting "Chris Paul... welcome home!" as he played potentially his last game in his home state.
Harden's performance also etched him into NBA history. His 25th 50-point game ties Kobe Bryant's total for third all-time, behind Wilt Chamberlain's 118 and Michael Jordan's 31, with Elgin Baylor at 17.