JAMES Harden erupted for a franchise-record 55 points to lead the Los Angeles Clippers past the Charlotte Hornets, 131-116, on Saturday afternoon (Sunday in the Philippines) at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte.
Harden shot 17-of-26 from the field, including 10-of-14 from three-point range, and added 11-of-14 shooting from the free-throw line as the Clippers halted a three-game skid. His 35 first-half points were the most by any NBA player this season.
Ivica Zubac contributed 18 points and nine rebounds for Los Angeles, while Brook Lopez and Kobe Sanders added 11 markers apiece and John Collins chipped in 10 markers.
Chris Paul, meanwhile, contributed eight assists, four rebounds, and three points for the Clippers, just hours after announcing that he is retiring at the end of the 2025-26 NBA Season.
The Clippers, who won for only the second time in eight road outings, built a 62-55 halftime lead behind 53.5 percent shooting and extended the advantage to 102-82 after scoring the first six points of the fourth quarter.
Los Angeles scored at least 34 points in three quarter, whilenCharlotte struggled from long range, making just 11 of 36 attempts (30.6%), while the Clippers hit 19 of 43 (44.2%).
The Hornets’ rotation thinned in the first half after rookie center Ryan Kalkbrenner exited with a left ankle injury and Pat Connaughton left after six minutes due to calf soreness.
Kon Knueppel led Charlotte with 26 points. Brandon Miller, playing his first game since Oct. 22, scored 21 in a starting role. Miles Bridges tallied 19 points, while LaMelo Ball and Collin Sexton finished with 18 apiece.
Meanwhile, Franz Wagner recorded 37 points, seven assists, and six rebounds as Orlando Magic (10-7) continued its winning ways with a 133-121 victory over New York Knicks (9-6).
Desmond Bane added 27 markers, Jalen Suggs contributed 26 points, while Wendell Carter Jr. and Anthony Black each finished with 11 points for the Magic./PN
