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James Harden carved out another spot in NBA history Monday night, passing Shaquille O’Neal to move into ninth place on the league’s all-time scoring list with a performance that reminded fans why he’s still one of the game’s premier offensive weapons.
In the Clippers’ 117–109 win over the Charlotte Hornets, Harden finished with 32 points and 10 assists. The milestone came in the third quarter, when he buried a signature step-back three that officially pushed him past O’Neal’s 28,596 career points. Harden now sits at 28,614 and rising.
A Personal Milestone
The moment wasn’t lost on Harden. After the game, he reflected on what it meant to surpass a player he grew up watching. As a kid in Los Angeles, he witnessed Shaq dominate with the Lakers, and now finds himself ahead of the most physically dominant center of the modern era on one of the NBA’s most storied lists.
It’s the latest milestone in a career filled with offensive brilliance. From Sixth Man of the Year in Oklahoma City to MVP and three-time scoring champ in Houston, Harden’s journey has been marked by evolution. Now in his mid-30s, he’s taken on a more balanced role with the Clippers but still finds ways to rack up points at a high level.
Looking Up the Ladder
With this leap, Harden edges into truly rare air. Next up on the scoring list is Wilt Chamberlain, sitting in eighth with 31,419 points. From there, it’s a gauntlet of legends—Durant, Bryant, Jordan, Nowitzki—with LeBron James far out in front as the NBA’s all-time scoring king.
Catching Chamberlain isn’t impossible, but it’ll take time and health. Harden is still putting up efficient numbers, but with the Clippers managing minutes carefully and balancing a roster of veteran stars, volume scoring nights aren’t guaranteed. Still, if there’s one thing Harden has proven over the years, it’s that he’s a master of adapting his game without sacrificing impact.
What It Means for Fans and Bettors
For everyday NBA fans—and especially those keeping an eye on player props or futures markets—Harden’s sustained production is worth noting. He might not be chasing nightly 40-point explosions anymore, but milestones like this remind everyone he’s still a reliable scorer and playmaker. In playoff betting scenarios, where experience and offensive poise matter, Harden’s presence remains a factor.
His legacy is already cemented, but every bucket from here on out adds to the myth. If you’re betting against Harden making another climb up the ladder, history says you might want to reconsider.
