James Harden passes Shaquille O'Neal, moves into ninth place on NBA's all-time scoring list
James Harden climbed into ninth place on the NBA's all-time scoring list Monday night, surpassing Hall of Fame center Shaquille O'Neal with a three-pointer in the second half of the Los Angeles Clippers' 117-109 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. The basket gave Harden his 28,598th career point, moving him ahead of O'Neal's total of 28,596.
Harden, who entered the game needing just 14 points to pass the legendary big man, achieved the milestone in his 1,187th career game—slightly faster than O'Neal, who needed 1,207 games. "It's a true honor. It's a testament to the work that I put in, and it's all glory to God," Harden said after the game, calling O'Neal "the most dominant big man in the history of the game."
A Modern Scoring Legend Defined by Analytics
The 36-year-old guard's ascent up the scoring charts is a testament to his unique, analytics-driven offensive style. Remarkably, more than 18,000 of his points—roughly two-thirds of his total—have come via free throws or three-pointers, reflecting his mastery of drawing fouls and shooting from deep. While this approach has drawn criticism for its aesthetics and perceived "foul-baiting," its effectiveness is undeniable. Harden remains an elite scorer this season, averaging 25.6 points per game.
Harden's achievement is even more notable considering he began his career as a sixth man for the Oklahoma City Thunder, not becoming a full-time starter until his fourth season. He joins LeBron James and Kevin Durant as the only active players in the top 10. However, his climb is likely to pause here for some time. The next player ahead of him is Wilt Chamberlain, who sits nearly 3,000 points ahead with 31,419.
The Road Ahead and Championship Void
Despite his individual brilliance, Harden's resume lacks the ultimate team achievement: an NBA championship. He and Karl Malone are the only players in the top 10 without a title, a point often emphasized by his detractors. Nevertheless, his place among the game's greatest scorers is secure. As he continues his 17th season, Harden has solidified his legacy as one of the most potent and prolific offensive forces in basketball history, having now eclipsed one of its most iconic figures.
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