James Harden's stellar performance against the Timberwolves on Saturday has propelled him into the NBA's elite, becoming the 10th highest scorer in league history. With 28,290 career points, Harden surpassed Carmelo Anthony's total, reaching this milestone with a pair of free throws. He's now just 307 points shy of Shaquille O'Neal, who holds the 9th spot.
Harden's achievement is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He expressed his gratitude, saying, 'It's a blessing and a testament to the work I've put in. It's an honor, especially to be recognized alongside a legend like Melo.'
Despite his success, Harden's team, the Clippers, suffered a narrow loss to the Timberwolves. He finished with 34 points, but missed a crucial 3-pointer at the end, resulting in a 109-106 defeat after leading by 18 points in the first half. This season, Harden is averaging 26.5 points, his highest since the 2019-20 season with the Houston Rockets.
Looking ahead, Shaquille O'Neal remains the next obstacle for Harden, with 28,596 points to his name. Harden's ascent in the rankings has sparked excitement and admiration from fans and fellow players alike, solidifying his place among the NBA's all-time greats.