In a notable achievement, James Harden surpassed Shaquille O’Neal for ninth place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list during a game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 15, 2024. The guard for the Los Angeles Clippers made a significant 3-pointer early in the third quarter, elevating his career total to 28,598 points in his 1,187th regular-season game.
O’Neal, a dominant force throughout his career, concluded with 28,596 points over the span of 1,207 games across 19 seasons. Harden’s performance not only marks a personal milestone but also reflects his resurgence in the league, averaging 25.6 points per game this season, his highest since the 2019-20 campaign when he averaged 34.3 points per game and clinched his third consecutive scoring title.
Harden’s Path to the Top
Entering the game with 28,582 career points, Harden is now poised for a challenging ascent up the scoring ranks. The next player ahead of him is Wilt Chamberlain, who holds the eighth position with 31,419 points from just 1,045 games played over 14 years. The all-time leader is LeBron James, who entered the same day’s game with the Los Angeles Lakers holding a remarkable total of 42,601 points.
Following James on the all-time scoring list are legends such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Kevin Durant. Each of these athletes has left an indelible mark on the game, making Harden’s accomplishments even more significant.
A Versatile Player
In addition to his scoring prowess, Harden has recently moved up to 12th on the all-time assists list, showcasing his versatility as a player. The 11-time All-Star also ranks second in NBA history for the most 3-pointers made, trailing only Stephen Curry.
This achievement not only highlights Harden’s scoring ability but also his overall contributions to the game. As he continues to perform at a high level, basketball fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how far he can climb in the rankings.
