Veteran guard James Harden delivered a performance for the ages, exploding for a franchise-record 55 points to power the Los Angeles Clippers to a commanding 131-116 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. The NBA showdown took place on November 23, 2025 (Philippine Time), at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Historic Scoring Onslaught
Harden was unstoppable from the opening tip, setting the tone early by scoring 27 points in the first quarter alone. His hot hand continued throughout the game, relentlessly attacking the Hornets' defense. The 36-year-old superstar finished the night with an incredibly efficient stat line, making 17-of-26 field goals, sinking 10 three-pointers on 16 attempts, and converting 11-of-14 free throws.
This monumental effort erased the Clippers' previous single-game scoring record of 52 points, which was jointly held by Charles Smith and Bob McAdoo. While this 55-point outburst ranks as the 11th-highest scoring game of his legendary career, Harden's personal best remains at 61 points.
A Much-Needed Victory
Beyond the individual accolades, Harden's historic night served a critical team purpose: snapping the Clippers' three-game losing streak. The win improved the team's record to 5 wins and 11 losses, while the Hornets fell to 4-12.
After the game, Harden emphasized that the win was the only thing that mattered. "Needed a win," stated Harden, who also contributed seven assists. "At this point, it's about winning. So, I had to do what I had to do."
Key Contributors and Final Score
Harden didn't carry the load entirely alone. Croatian center Ivica Zubac provided valuable support with 18 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, forming a potent inside-outside combination.
On the opposing side, the Charlotte Hornets were led by Kon Knueppel with 26 points and Brandon Miller with 21 points, but their efforts were ultimately overshadowed by Harden's record-setting explosion that secured a crucial road win for the Clippers.
