James Harden scored 50 points in front of former United States President Barack Obama to help the Los Angeles Clippers defeat the Detroit Pistons 123-115 on March 5. Obama and Harden received standing ovations, and the 11-time All-Star joked that he played well because of the former President.
Barack Obama Receives Standing Ovation at Clippers-Pistons
Obama’s love for the game is well-known and well-recorded since his presidency. In 2010, he busted his lip while playing basketball. The injury wouldn’t affect his morale, and he was spotted back on the court after getting 10 stitches.
The 44th President of the United States returned to court on Wednesday to watch the Clippers vs. Pistons game. He was spotted courtside, sitting next to Clippers team owner Steve Ballmer behind the baseline. When the cameras cut to him, the Intuit Dome rose to its feet.
Barack Obama gets a standing ovation from fans here at Clippers-Pistons when he’s shown on the Halo Board.
(via @TomerAzarly) pic.twitter.com/XtYAskqt2C
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 6, 2025
Obama witnessed a magical performance from Harden, who dropped 50 points, four rebounds, five assists, and one steal and block each. He was 14 of 24 from the field, making six 3-pointers and going 16 for 20 at the free-throw line, joking that his performance was inspired by the desire to get a selfie with Obama.
“I wanted my picture with the President after the game, but he left. I guess he wanted to beat traffic,” Harden said. “We’ve got a pretty cool relationship. We’ve met a few times. It’s awesome to see him at the game. He’s probably the reason I played so well.”
James Harden on scoring 50 points in front of Barack Obama:
“I wanted my pic with Presi after the game. He left. I guess he wanted to beat traffic. 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… pic.twitter.com/LRXrYDiNBq
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) March 6, 2025
Obama was likely invited to the game by the Clippers owner, with whom he has shared a working relationship since Obama’s time in the White House. However, Detroit failed to impress in his presence, and barring Cade Cunningham, who dropped 37 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds, no one really stepped up to the occasion.
It wasn’t the first time Obama received a standing ovation from NBA fans. The former President received a warm welcome at the ScotiaBank Arena in Toronto in 2019. Two years later, he became a minority owner in NBA Africa.
“The NBA has always been a great ambassador for the United States—using the game to create deeper connections around the world, and in Africa, basketball has the power to promote opportunity, wellness, equality, and empowerment across the continent,” said Obama.
“By investing in communities, promoting gender equality, and cultivating the love of the game of basketball, I believe that NBA Africa can make a difference for so many of Africa’s young people.
