Although the Los Angeles Clippers (5-11) have underwhelmed to this point of the 2025-26 NBA season, fans can take enjoyment in watching the 36-year-old James Harden put the team on his back. He added to his stellar start to the campaign with a history-making performance against the Charlotte Hornets (4-12). The future Hall of Famer scored a franchise-record 55 points in Saturday's 131-116 road win, and when the dust settled, he dropped a perfect soundbite.

“Basketball is life,” Harden said after the game, before giving a subtle smirk and walking away. A clutch day all around for No. 1.

Harden did his best to keep the focus on the Clippers, beginning his interview by emphasizing the win rather than his personal excellence. He continues to carry himself as the face of the franchise, commanding a deep level of respect from the fan base. The 2017-18 MVP has endured some turbulence in LA, shooting an inefficient 41.9 percent in his first 165 games with the squad (not counting Saturday's masterful showing), but he looks right at home this season.

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Actually, if one did not know any better, they might assume that Harden took a couple of sips of from the Fountain of Youth. Entering this Hornets matchup, he was posting 26.5 points, 8.6 assists and 6.2 rebounds per game, while shooting 44.0 percent from the field and 38.2 percent from behind the 3-point line.

Those numbers will only increase following this 55-point explosion, which saw the six-time All-NBA First-Team selection go 17-of-26 from the floor and drain a whopping 10 treys. While the home crowd did not get the outcome it wanted, fans inside the Spectrum Center should be grateful they at least got to witness a record-breaking outing.

James Harden will not have much time to reflect on surpassing Charles Smith's 52-point mark, which stood for nearly 35 years, as the Clippers head to Ohio for a Sunday night battle with the Cleveland Cavaliers (11-6).