James Harden drops 27 points in shocking quarter burst

James Harden reminded the basketball world Saturday afternoon that age is just a number, exploding for 27 points in the first quarter against the Charlotte Hornets. The 36-year-old guard’s offensive explosion tied a Los Angeles Clippers franchise record and left fans stunned by his vintage performance.

A franchise record performance

Harden’s first quarter masterpiece matched the Clippers’ single-quarter scoring record previously set by Lou Williams, who dropped 27 points in the third quarter of a win over the Warriors on January 10, 2018. Williams finished that memorable night with 50 points, showcasing the elite company Harden now joins in franchise history.

The veteran guard’s efficiency during his record-tying quarter was remarkable. Harden connected on 9 of 12 field goal attempts while draining 5 of 7 three-point shots, demonstrating the shooting touch and shot selection that defined his MVP season seven years ago with the Houston Rockets.

Building on the hot start

Harden didn’t cool off after his explosive opening frame, continuing his dominance into the second quarter. He finished the first half with 35 points, putting the Clippers in position to secure a much-needed victory. His ability to maintain offensive production throughout the half showed this wasn’t just a hot streak but a focused, sustained effort.

The performance came during a special homecoming game for Harden’s teammate and fellow future Hall of Famer Chris Paul, who announced earlier this season his intention to retire at the end of the year. Harden’s offensive showcase provided fireworks for the Charlotte crowd while honoring Paul’s North Carolina roots.

Defying father time

At 36 years old, Harden theoretically should be past his prime and experiencing the inevitable decline that affects all athletes. Instead, he’s putting together arguably his best statistical season since joining Los Angeles in the 2023-24 campaign. His numbers tell the story of a player refusing to surrender to age.

Harden is currently averaging 26.5 points, 8.6 assists and 6.2 rebounds per game while shooting 44 percent from the field and over 38 percent from three-point range. These figures represent his highest scoring average since the 2019-20 season, his final full year with the Rockets before his career took him through multiple cities.

This is a WILD box score.

Harden has 35 points in 17 minutes in the first minutes.

Only other player with more than 4 points is Zubac. pic.twitter.com/532zVyld6h

— Michael Fiddle (@FiddlesPicks) November 22, 2025

Carrying a struggling franchise

The Clippers desperately needed Harden’s heroics, entering Saturday’s game with a disappointing 4-11 record. The team has struggled significantly since losing Kawhi Leonard on November 3, with the star forward limited to just six games this season due to ongoing health issues.

Leonard’s absence has forced Harden into a larger offensive role, and he’s responded by shouldering the scoring burden with remarkable consistency. His willingness to carry the team night after night has kept the Clippers competitive despite their record, preventing a complete collapse during Leonard’s extended absence.

Historical context

Saturday’s 27-point quarter ties Harden’s second-highest scoring quarter of his entire career. He previously achieved this mark in a 2019 Rockets victory over the San Antonio Spurs, demonstrating his ability to catch fire and dominate opponents in short bursts.

Harden’s career-high for points in a single quarter came the following season when he scored 29 points during a dominant 158-111 Houston victory against the Atlanta Hawks. That performance showcased Harden at his absolute peak, when he was widely considered the league’s most unstoppable offensive force.

Fan reaction and social media frenzy

NBA fans took to social media to express their disbelief at Harden’s ageless performance. Many pointed out the remarkable nature of a 36-year-old player putting up numbers typically associated with players in their prime. The performance sparked debates about whether Harden deserves more respect as one of the game’s all-time great scorers.

Others noted the irony of Harden’s resurgence coming with the Clippers, considering the team’s struggles and the fact that the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder own Los Angeles’ unprotected 2026 first-round pick. The better Harden plays individually, the more frustrating the team’s overall record becomes for Clippers fans.

James Harden is 36 years old and getting face guarded 40 feet away from the hoop without the ball

We will never see another player like him

— Sheldon Wohlman | Utility Sports (@_utilitysports) November 22, 2025

Buckets with the best

Harden’s performance proves he can still score alongside the league’s elite offensive players when he gets going. While he may not be the MVP candidate he was during his Houston heyday, he remains capable of taking over games and carrying his team through his scoring ability alone.

The combination of his shooting touch, basketball IQ and experience allows Harden to find scoring opportunities that younger players might miss. His ability to create space with his step-back three-pointer remains one of basketball’s most unstoppable moves, regardless of defensive schemes designed to stop it.

Looking ahead

As the season progresses, the Clippers will need more performances like Saturday’s from Harden if they hope to salvage their campaign and climb back into playoff contention. His ability to dominate quarters and take over games represents their best chance at winning consistently until Leonard returns to full health.

For Harden personally, the performance serves as another reminder that his Hall of Fame career isn’t finished yet. While retirement discussions swirl around teammate Chris Paul, Harden continues proving he has plenty left in the tank and remains one of basketball’s most dangerous offensive weapons when he’s locked in.

This is Harden’s third quarter with 27 or more points. Since the start of the play-by-play era in 1996-97, only Kobe Bryant and Devin Booker have more (both did it four times). https://t.co/aXhBl9HhTK

— Crazy Stats (@NBAcrazystats) November 22, 2025