Feb 26, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) looks towards former Chicago Bulls player Pat Beverley, who was on the sidelines, after scoring against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images Matt Marton-Imagn Images

James Harden Joins Former 76ers Guard in Clippers Scoring History

Originally posted on Philadelphia 76ers on SI
By Kevin McCormick | Last updated Mar 6, 2025 9:07 PM ET

At the start of last season, the Philadelphia 76ers found themselves front and center in another star trade. Following an ugly offseason saga with James Harden, he was dealt to the LA Clippers for an assortment of assets.

Since arriving in LA, Harden has had a bit of a resurgence late in his career. Many expected the Clippers to take a dip in the standings this season, but he's managed to keep them afloat and in the playoff picture in the Western Conference.

On Wednesday night, Harden put together one of his best performances in a Clippers' uniform. Facing off against a red-hot Detroit Pistons team, he erupted for 50 points in a 123-115 victory for LA.

With this performance, Harden became just the eighth player in Clippers history to record a 50-point game. Ironically enough, the last player to do so is also a former Sixers guard. That being Lou Williams back in 2018.

Clippers guard @JHarden13 drops 50 in win over Detroit. The Clippers say this is the 8th 50-point game in franchise history and 1st since Lou Williams on 1/10/18 at Golden State.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) March 6, 2025

In the midst of a bounce-back season, Harden landed his first All-Star nomination since 2022 this season. Across 59 games, he is averaging 22.1 PPG, 5.8 RPG, and 8.6 APG.

When the Sixers traded Harden to the Clippers, it was primarily for expiring contracts to open their books up for free agency. This was all a play to lure Paul George away from LA, which they successfully did.

With his 50-point outing against the Pistons, Harden accomplished something that PG was unable to do. While he came close on numerous occasions, he never broke that scoring mark in his time with the Clippers. George's game-high in his LA tenure came in December of 2019 when he notched 46 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves.