His brand of iso-ball, eurostepping defenders, and getting to the free throw line has paid off.
James Harden, 35, moved up the National Basketball Association’s all-time scoring list in Sunday’s matchup between the Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder. Harden and the Clippers suffered a 101-103 loss, but “The Beard” put in 17 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and a block. It has taken him 16 seasons in the NBA, but Harden has surpassed Moses Malone to be No. 11 on the all-time points list. He’s scored 27,410 points since getting selected No. 3 overall in the 2009 NBA Draft.
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The bucket that moved Harden into 11th on the all-time scoring list!
Congrats, James!! https://t.co/OkEjx75m4f pic.twitter.com/VeovqsReNM
— NBA (@NBA) March 24, 2025
Harden’s career started at Oklahoma City, yet he has played for the Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, and Philadelphia 76ers.
The 2018 NBA Most Valuable Player, 11x All-Star, and six-time All-NBA First Team selection is still in search of his first league championship. He came close to it in 2012 as a member of the Thunder, but LeBron James and the Heat took it from him.
Harden will enjoy this moment of being one of the league’s greatest scorers.
Stephen M. Smith is a writer for Ball Exclusives. You can follow him him X via @CoachingMSmith.
