Honestly, if you told a Clippers fan back in November that we’d be sitting here in January 2026 talking about James Harden as an elite-level scoring threat again, they probably would’ve laughed you out of the building. The start of this year was rough. Not just "bad game" rough, but "worst month in franchise history" rough. The Clippers stumbled out of the gate with a 5-16 record, and for a minute there, it looked like the wheels were coming off the Intuit Dome before the paint was even dry.
But look at the box scores now. James Harden stats this season are telling a story that most critics didn't think he had left in him at age 36.
He's currently putting up 25.8 points per game. That is his highest scoring average in half a decade. To put that in perspective, people were ready to relegate him to a "pure floor general" role where he just stands at the top of the key and feeds Kawhi. Instead, he’s out here carrying massive offensive loads, especially during that recent stretch where the Clippers finally started to climb back into the Western Conference play-in hunt.
What James Harden stats this season say about his "Age 36" Season
The most surprising thing isn't just that he's scoring; it's how he's doing it. Usually, when a guard hits his mid-30s, the first thing to go is the ability to get to the free-throw line. Not James. He’s averaging 8.6 free throw attempts per game and knocking them down at an 89.6% clip. He’s basically living at the stripe again.
The Scoring and Efficiency Breakdown
It’s a weird mix of old-school Houston Harden and the more refined Los Angeles version. He’s shooting about 42.3% from the field, which isn't going to win him any efficiency awards, but he’s taking 17.6 shots a night. He has to. With the roster's average age sitting at 33.2 years—the oldest in NBA history—someone has to provide the spark.
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- Points Per Game: 25.8
- Assists: 8.1
- Rebounds: 4.7
- 3-Point Percentage: 34.7% (on 9.1 attempts per game)
You’ve got to appreciate the volume. He’s chucking nine threes a game. Some nights they fall—like that wild 55-point explosion against Charlotte back in November—and some nights they don't. But the threat of the step-back is keeping defenses honest, which is the only reason Ivica Zubac is having a career year in the paint.
The Mid-Season Turnaround is Real
Let’s talk about the context of these James Harden stats this season.
The Clippers were 10th in the West for a long time. They’re still hovering around that 18-23 mark as of mid-January, but they just went on a tear. Harden’s last five games have been vintage. We’re talking 31 points against Toronto in an overtime thriller, 32 against Charlotte, and another 31 against Brooklyn.
He’s playing 35.7 minutes a game. That’s a lot of miles for a guy who has been through the wars he has. Ty Lue is leaning on him heavily, maybe too heavily, but it’s working. The chemistry with the new guys—John Collins and even the brief return of Chris Paul—was clunky at first. But lately, Harden has found a rhythm in the pick-and-roll that reminds you why he’s a future Hall of Famer.
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Handling the "Losing the Step" Narrative
Everyone said he was too slow. They said he couldn't beat his man off the dribble anymore. Kinda true, honestly. He isn't blowing by 22-year-old defenders with a quick first step. Instead, he’s using that "old man strength" and elite deceleration. He gets you on his hip, bumps you, and suddenly he's at the rim or tossing an alley-oop to Zubac.
His 8.1 assists per game are actually down from his career highs, but that’s a product of the system. He's being asked to score more because, frankly, the Clippers' offense can get stagnant. When Kawhi Leonard (who is still a beast at 28.2 PPG) is double-teamed, Harden is the one expected to create something out of nothing.
Why the "Advanced" Stats Matter More Than Ever
If you look at his Player Efficiency Rating (PER), he’s sitting around 23.6. That’s elite. It puts him right back in the conversation with the top-tier guards in the league. His usage rate is north of 30%, which is high, but the Clippers don't really have another choice if they want to make the playoffs.
One thing nobody talks about? His defense. Look, he’s never going to be Kawhi on that end. But he’s averaging 1.3 steals and he’s actually been decent in the post. Teams try to switch small guards onto him thinking he’s a liability, and he just uses his size to wall them off. It’s not flashy, but it’s effective.
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The Problem With the Turnovers
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Harden is still averaging 3.6 turnovers a game. It’s the "James Harden Experience." You get the brilliant cross-court passes and the 30-foot bombs, but you also get the occasional lazy pass that gets picked off for a fast-break layup. Honestly, you just sort of live with it at this point.
The Trade Rumors and the Future
Remember those rumors in December? There was a lot of talk about the Clippers possibly blowing it up. Teams were circling, hoping Harden would hit the trade block. But the way he's playing now has silenced most of that. He seems committed. He told reporters recently that while some teams let the "wheels fall off" during a bad start, he was focused on climbing back.
He’s under contract for $36 million this year after opting into his deal. If he keeps putting up these numbers, he’s looking at one more decent-sized bag before he calls it a career.
How to use this info for your Fantasy or Betting picks
If you’re looking at James Harden stats this season for betting or fantasy purposes, there are a few "tells" to watch for:
- Check the Back-to-Backs: At 36, his production dips significantly on the second night of a back-to-back. His shooting percentage drops about 6% in those games.
- The "Zubac Connection": If Zubac is out or limited, Harden’s assist numbers actually go up because he looks for the kick-out more than the lob.
- Free Throw Volume: In wins, Harden is averaging 10+ free throw attempts. In losses, it drops to around 6. If he isn't getting the whistle, the Clippers usually struggle.
The Clippers have a tough road ahead. They’re currently fighting with teams like the Grizzlies and the Trail Blazers for those final play-in spots. If Harden can maintain this 25/8 pace through February, they might actually avoid the lottery.
To keep track of how he's trending, watch his minutes. If Ty Lue keeps him above 36 minutes a night, the counting stats will be there, but keep an eye on his 4th quarter shooting percentages—that's where the fatigue usually shows up first. You can also monitor the Clippers' official injury reports specifically for "load management" on those Tuesday/Wednesday back-to-backs, as that will be the biggest indicator of whether they're prioritizing his health or their seeding.