Los Angeles Clippers star James Harden put on a show for fans at the Intuit Dome against the Detroit Pistons, registering 50 points in LA’s 123-115 win.
Harden states that he found motivation to go above and beyond from one of the people watching the game: former President of the United States, Barack Obama.
James Harden Dazzles Barack Obama by Scoring 50 Points Against the Pistons
The last time Harden put up 50 points in a single game, he was still wearing a Houston Rockets jersey. But with the former POTUS in the building, the point guard made sure to make a statement.
Apart from 50 points in 38 minutes, he also contributed four rebounds and five assists in the victory over Detroit. After the game, the 11-time NBA All-Star pointed out that his connection with Obama made him play like a beast on the court.
“I wanted my pic with Presi after the game. He left. I guess he wanted to beat traffic,” Harden joked. “We got a pretty cool relationship. We’ve met a few times. It’s pretty cool to see him at the game. Probably the reason why I played so well.”
Obama’s love for basketball is well documented, and Harden wasn’t the only one who showed his appreciation to the former President. The entire Intuit Dome gave Obama a standing ovation after he was shown on the Halo Board.
Harden Brushes Off 50-Point Effort at Advanced Age
Despite the 50-point mark being a special one, it wasn’t Harden’s first rodeo. The 35-year-old has achieved this feat on 23 previous occasions (all of them for the Rockets).
After his 24th 50-point game, he was asked by the press about the physical toll such a performance would take on him at his current age.
“No, I can do it. It’s not my first time,” Harden said. “If it’s someone’s first time, it takes a lot of energy. For me, it’s just understanding the game. I see the game within the game.”
Harden’s 24th 50-point game means he is only one shy of Kobe Bryant’s 25. Ahead of them, Michael Jordan (31) and Wilt Chamberlain (118) firmly lead the pack.