James Harden’s vintage 55-point outburst ties Kobe Bryant on all-time list in Clippers win

The Los Angeles Clippers moved to 5-11 on Saturday with a desperately needed 131-116 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, and their 2018 MVP James Harden etched himself into the record books with a 55-point explosion on 17-for-26 shooting from the field (65.4%).

Los Angeles' 36-year-old guard and11-time All-Star took on the role of a one-man wrecking crew from the outset, as he scored a ridiculous 27 points in the first quarter, alone.

With his latest epic scoring performance, Harden broke yet another record and joined rarefied air alongside former 18-time All-Star Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, according to ClutchPoints' Tomer Azarly.

"James Harden ties Kobe Bryant for most 50-point games in NBA history," Azarly shared via X on Saturday.

"He trails only Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan."

With his 25th career 50-point outing, Harden tied the 5-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer for third place on the league'a all-time 50-point games list. 

As an added bonus, he also broke the Clippers' single-game franchise scoring record with his vintage performance. 

Harden has opened the 2025-26 season on a tear for the lowly Clippers, as he's now averaging a monstrous 38.4 points over his past five outings with fellow superstar Kawhi Leonard sidelined due to an ankle injury.

The ex-Houston Rockets superstar and one of the league's greatest scoring talents has appeared to have taken a sip from the fountain of youth, as his historic stretch is eerily reminiscent of his magnum opus campaign with Houston in 2018-19, when he averaged a career-best 36.1 points over the course of 78 games.

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