Harden scores 50, nears Bryant's record

James Harden scored 50 points in a game for the 24th time in his career, moving within one of Kobe Bryant for third-most in NBA history. This performance helped the Los Angeles Clippers defeat the Detroit Pistons 123-115. Harden's 50-point game was his first with the Clippers and the first for the franchise since 2018. He had a strong start, scoring 23 points in the first quarter and finishing with 14 of 24 shooting. Former President Barack Obama attended the game, sitting near Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. Harden noted their previous meetings but did not get a photo with Obama after the game.