James Harden scored a Los Angeles Clippers-record 55 points in a 131-116 victory at Charlotte on Saturday, while the Detroit Pistons extended their winning streak to 12 games with a 129-116 win over Milwaukee.

The Clippers improved to 5-1, snapping a three-game losing streak and deepening the Hornets’ struggles, who have now lost five consecutive games. Harden, the 2018 NBA MVP, poured in 27 points in the first half alone.

“The work I put in individually, I do it for the entire team,” Harden said. “I’m just trying to find ways to win games.”

The 36-year-old guard shot 17-of-26 from the floor, 10-of-16 from three-point range, and 11-of-14 from the free-throw line, adding seven assists. He surpassed Bob McAdoo and Charles Smith, who shared the previous franchise record with 52 points. Croatian center Ivica Zubac contributed 18 points, nine rebounds, and six assists for the Clippers, while Kon Knueppel led the Hornets with 26 points.

Clippers veteran Chris Paul, 40, hinted on social media that this 21st season could be his last, writing, “What a ride… GRATEFUL for this last one.” The Clippers are expected to welcome back Kawhi Leonard on Sunday against Cleveland after missing 10 games with a sprained ankle and foot.

In Milwaukee, the Pistons recorded their longest winning streak since their 2004 championship season. Cade Cunningham starred with 29 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds as Detroit improved to 14-2 atop the Eastern Conference.

Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised Ausar Thompson’s defensive intensity, saying, “We’re an elite team when we can get out in transition, and when he pressures the ball like that, making deflections, it energizes everybody behind him.” The Bucks, who were without Giannis Antetokounmpo due to a groin strain, fell to 8-9. Coach Doc Rivers noted, “Their physicality completely took us out of our offense. They physically wanted to send a message, and they did.”

Elsewhere, Orlando’s Franz Wagner scored 37 points, one shy of his career high, leading the Magic to a 133-121 win over the New York Knicks. Desmond Bane added 27 points and Jalen Suggs 26, while Jalen Brunson led New York with 33 points and 11 assists.

Chicago edged Washington 121-120 behind Nikola Vucevic’s 28 points and 12 rebounds and Josh Giddey’s triple-double of 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. The Wizards fell to 1-15, losing their 14th straight game. A late layup from Bilal Coulibaly briefly gave Washington the lead, but two free throws from Tre Jones and a final turnover sealed the win for the Bulls.

In other results, Memphis beat Dallas 102-96 behind Santi Aldama’s 20 points and Zach Edey’s 12 points and 15 rebounds, with Klay Thompson scoring 22 for the Mavericks. The Atlanta Hawks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 115-98, with Kristaps Porzingis scoring 29 points as the Pelicans suffered their ninth straight loss to fall to 2-15.

The NBA also announced a $35,000 fine on Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks for confronting officials and using inappropriate language during Friday’s 114-113 home win over Minnesota.