James Harden went on an early scoring tear and scored a franchise-record 55 points as the Los Angeles Clippers snapped a three-game losing streak by defeating the host Charlotte Hornets 131-116 on Saturday afternoon.

Harden made 10 of 16 shots from 3-point range and was 17 of 26 overall from the field, while going 11 of 14 on free throws. The 36-year-old made 12 of 17 shots from the field in the first half while ringing up 35 points, then drained a 3-pointer in the opening minute of the third quarter. His first-half total marked the most for any NBA player this season.

The Clippers led 62-57 at the break, boosted by 53.5% shooting from the field. Harden had 10 of the Clippers’ first 18 points and 27 of the team’s 38 first-quarter points. Ivica Zubac added 18 points with nine rebounds, Br

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