In a historic moment that cements his legacy, James Harden has officially surpassed Shaquille O'Neal to claim the 9th spot on the NBA's all-time scoring list. This milestone, achieved during a Los Angeles Clippers game against the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night, marks a significant chapter in Harden's storied career. But here's where it gets even more impressive: Harden hit a 3-pointer early in the third quarter, pushing his career total to 28,598 points in just his 1,187th regular season game. Compare that to O'Neal's 28,596 points, which took him 1,207 games over 19 seasons to accumulate. And this is the part most people miss—Harden's efficiency in reaching this milestone is a testament to his consistency and scoring prowess.
Harden entered the game averaging 25.6 points per game this season, his highest since the 2019-20 season when he averaged a staggering 34.3 points per game and secured his third consecutive scoring title. Now in his 17th season, Harden has already set his sights on the next challenge: catching up to Wilt Chamberlain, who sits in 8th place with 31,419 points. However, that’s no small feat, especially considering Chamberlain achieved that total in just 1,045 games. Speaking of towering figures, LeBron James continues to lead the all-time scoring list with 42,601 points, followed by legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, and Kobe Bryant.
But here's where it gets controversial: While Harden’s scoring achievements are undeniable, some critics argue that his playstyle—heavily reliant on isolation and free throws—doesn’t always translate to team success. What do you think? Does Harden’s scoring prowess outweigh these concerns, or is there a valid debate to be had? Let us know in the comments.
Beyond scoring, Harden’s versatility shines through—he recently climbed to 12th on the all-time assists list and ranks second in 3-pointers made, trailing only Stephen Curry. This well-rounded skill set underscores why Harden is considered one of the most impactful players of his generation. As he continues to chase greatness, one thing is clear: James Harden’s name will forever be etched among the NBA’s all-time greats. But the question remains—where does he go from here? And can he climb even higher on the scoring ladder? Only time will tell.
