James Harden became the oldest player in NBA history to record a 40-point triple-double Friday night, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a thrilling 133–127 double-overtime victory over the Dallas Mavericks in NBA Cup group play.
At 36 years and 80 days old, Harden surpassed Larry Bird’s previous record (35 years, 99 days), delivering a vintage performance that snapped the Clippers’ six-game losing streak.
Harden finished with 41 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists in 51 minutes, marking his 82nd career triple-double and eighth as a Clipper, the most in franchise history. He scored 10 points across the two overtime periods, including four in the second OT, and controlled the tempo throughout the game.
“He was the closer we needed,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. “That was one of the most complete games I’ve seen from him in years.”
Harden’s stat line also marked the first 40-point triple-double in Clippers history. The Clippers improved to 4–8 overall and 2–0 in NBA Cup West Group B, while the Mavericks fell to 3–10 overall and 0–2 in Cup play.
