James Harden of the Los Angeles Clippers has been quietly having one of his best seasons in years.
That was on full display Wednesday evening, as Harden posted 50 points against the Detroit Pistons.
According to the NBA on X, that makes Harden just the seventh player aged 35 or older to tally 50+ points in a game.
He joins the exclusive club of Stephen Curry (who did it three times), LeBron James (who did it twice), Alex English, Jamal Crawford, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan.
That is some great company for Harden.
James Harden becomes the 7th player age 35+ to tally 50+ PTS in a game, joining:
Stephen Curry (3x)
LeBron James (2x)
Alex English
Jamal Crawford
Kobe Bryant
Michael Jordan https://t.co/jkqeXA1o3z pic.twitter.com/8ydcpLNTGb
— NBA (@NBA) March 6, 2025
Harden is now in his 16th season and is averaging 22.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game on 39.2 percent from the field and 33.9 percent from the three-point line.
His numbers have climbed up compared to what he did for the Clippers last year and he hasn’t had many bad games.
This is now his second season in Los Angeles and, in many ways, it’s more important than the first.
That’s because Harden has been tasked with leading the team more and they have called on him more than they have Kawhi Leonard.
Harden has had to perform like a team leader more often and he has been doing a good job at it.
The Clippers aren’t exactly where they want to be and remain the eighth seed in the West with a 33-29 record.
Although they’d like to be higher in the standings, they’d probably be much lower if it wasn’t for Harden and his output.
His latest game was the best of the season, but he’s been undeniably consistent all year long.
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