UPDATE: In a thrilling Saturday night showdown, James Harden of the LA Clippers has officially entered the NBA’s top 10 all-time scorers, surpassing Carmelo Anthony during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Harden achieved this milestone by scoring his 28,290th point with two free throws at 4:23 in the third quarter, just 21 points shy of Anthony’s record of 28,289.
This achievement not only solidifies Harden’s legacy but also highlights his enduring impact on the game. Currently, he is positioned just behind Shaquille O’Neal with 28,596 points and Kevin Durant, who stands at 31,024 points. “You look at that list, it’s like there’s no way,” Harden said. “It’s literally like a dream come true.”
Harden, now 36 years old, expressed his astonishment at being among basketball legends such as LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan. Reflecting on his journey, he noted, “I was looking at the list, and it’s like all those guys are way bigger than me, way more athletic than me.”
As one of only three guards in the top ten, alongside Bryant and Jordan, Harden credits his signature move, the step-back jumper, for much of his scoring success. He has made nearly 2,000 step-back jumpers since 2013-14, leading in total points off this shot type by over 1,000 points compared to his nearest competitor.
“It’s something that I can really be proud of myself,” he stated, emphasizing how his innovative style has transformed basketball at all levels. Harden also ranks second in career three-pointers, recently surpassing Ray Allen with 3,255 three-pointers, still trailing Stephen Curry at 4,111.
Clippers star Kawhi Leonard praised Harden, stating, “He’s still doing stuff that these guys, faces of the league, are doing. You could just see how much work he puts in and how much he cares about the game.” This performance continues to prove that age is just a number for the star player.
Harden reflected on the pivotal trade from Oklahoma City to Houston, which catalyzed his career, saying, “Life-changing. I possibly could have been a champion. Who knows?” He acknowledges the significant impact that move had on his scoring prowess and overall legacy.
As Harden continues to climb the scoring ladder, he is uncertain about how much longer he can maintain this elite level of play. With LeBron James holding the top spot at 42,268 points, Harden remains focused on his performance and the history he is making.
The excitement surrounding Harden’s milestone is palpable, and fans are eager to see how he will continue to evolve and contribute to the Clippers this season. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.