Sun Mar 09 04:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Harden Drops 50 on Obama’s Watch, Leads Clippers to Victory
**INGLEWOOD, CA** – James Harden put on a spectacular show Wednesday night at the Intuit Dome, scoring 50 points to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 123-115 win over the Detroit Pistons. The performance marked Harden’s 24th career 50-point game, putting him just one behind Kobe Bryant for third place in NBA history.
The game was made even more special by the presence of former President Barack Obama, who sat courtside next to Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. Harden, who noted a prior positive relationship with Obama, jokingly attributed his exceptional performance to the former president’s attendance.
Harden’s scoring outburst came on the second night of a back-to-back, a remarkable feat for the 35-year-old guard, making him only the second-oldest player in NBA history to achieve this milestone without rest. He shot 14-of-24 from the field, including six 3-pointers, and added 16-of-20 from the free-throw line. His efficiency was particularly impressive, marking his fourth career 50-point game on 25 or fewer shots – the most by any player in the shot-clock era.
Despite playing 38 minutes, Harden downplayed the physical toll, stating he’s accustomed to high-volume scoring. His performance was crucial for the Clippers, who were missing key players Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell and had previously squandered a significant lead against the Phoenix Suns. Coach Tyronn Lue praised Harden’s determination and contribution, emphasizing the team’s reliance on his exceptional performance.
Harden’s 50-point game is the eighth in Clippers franchise history, the first since Lou Williams’ in 2018, and the most impressive scoring display yet in the Clippers’ new arena, slated to host next year’s NBA All-Star Game. While he didn’t manage a post-game photo with President Obama, who left early to avoid traffic, Harden’s remarkable performance remains the night’s dominant narrative.
First Piper 