Turn back the clock. Because James Harden is stirring the pot once again. With Kawhi Leonard out indefinitely, The Beard has taken the responsibility of carrying the Clippers on his shoulders. Sure enough, he proved it once again tonight as he went off for 34 points in the first half to decimate the Utah Jazz. Moreover, this outburst put him on path to surpass the highest scoring game of his career.

Yes, it was on January 23 five years ago that Harden had the best scoring night of his career with 61 points. Obviously, he was still playing for the Rockets back then. And their opponents that night? The New York Knicks. Undoubtedly one of the greatest scorers ever, Harden had no problem putting the ball in the basket during his prime. That’s why just two months later, he matched his career high once again. This time against the Spurs.

However, now that he is in the later stages of his career, such performances come in occasional bursts, making them even more special. And that’s exactly what happened tonight.

When was the last time Harden scored 34+ points in a half?

The date was October 30 five years ago. After a slow start, he shifted gears and dropped 38 points in the second half. He was facing the Wizards that night and finished with 59 points for a close one-point victory. Well, tonight was his highest scoring half since that night.

Taking over early, The Beard made seven shots from beyond the arc and was highly efficient from the charity stripes. Because of his hot hand, the Clippers scored 81 points in the first half, most by them in any half this season. Meanwhile, the Jazz put only 47 points on the board. A true beatdown indeed.

How many times has Harden scored 34+ points in a half? Kobe Bryant’s record in jeopardy?

Of course, this is not the first time Harden has achieved this feat. 10! That’s the number of times he has dropped 34 or more points in a half. An elite scorer indeed. The only player surpassing him since 1996-97 is Kobe Bryant, who did it twelve times. Not a bad name to follow at all.

However, The Beard would love to top that list and solidify himself as one the greatest to score the ball. And with the way he has been playing this season, he has a legitimate shot at overtaking The Black Mamba. He just needs three more performances like tonight to claim that record. But considering that his last scoring outburst came five years ago, it will be easier said than done.

James Harden’s Top-5 scoring performances

After a dominant first half, Harden was not required to do much in the second period. And he finished the night with 41 points in only three quarters as his team cruised to a blowout victory. Moreover, his epic performance reminded us of the top five scoring performances of his career. Obviously, we have already talked about his two 61-points games. Surprisingly, the remaining three performances also came in the Rockets’ uniform.

Well, he has dropped a 60-piece twice, once against the Hawks in 2019 and the second time against the Magic a year prior. And his fifth highest scoring performance was 59 points against the Wizards, the same night he had 38 points in a half. Sure enough, many consider the Rockets’ era James Harden the best scorer ever. And he backed that claim with epic performances every night. Surely, Clippers fans would love for Harden to channel his prime more often like he did tonight.