Overview
- Harden had 27 in the first quarter and 35 by halftime, finishing 17-of-26 from the field and 10-of-16 from three with seven assists.
- Los Angeles ended a three-game losing streak with the road win in Charlotte.
- Coverage differed on the superlatives, with some outlets saying the 27-point quarter tied a team mark and others calling the 55 a single-game franchise record.
- Hours before tipoff, Chris Paul posted a highlight video that was widely interpreted as hinting at retirement after the season.
- Yahoo Sports, citing ESPN's Shams Charania, reported the Clippers expect Kawhi Leonard back Sunday, as the Hornets saw Ryan Kalkbrenner and Pat Connaughton exit in the first half with injuries.