James Harden achieved a significant milestone in his storied NBA career on March 23, 2025, during a game where the Los Angeles Clippers faced off against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite having a rough evening on the court, Harden passed the legendary Moses Malone to become the 11th all-time leading scorer in NBA history. He now boasts a total of 27,416 career points, bringing him within striking distance of the top 10 as he chases Carmelo Anthony, who is currently in 10th place with 28,289 points.
Harden wrapped up the evening with 17 points, five rebounds, and eight assists, but his performance was marred by injuries that triggered concern among fans and team officials alike. In the second half, after taking a knee to the thigh from the Thunder's Lu Dort, Harden rolled his ankle towards the end of the game. Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue expressed his worries in a post-game conference, noting that Harden “couldn’t attack at the end of the game” due to his injuries.
Reflecting on his condition, Harden downplayed the severity of his injuries, stating, “I’m alright, I rolled my foot. I got bumped, I got kneed in the thigh. I was hopping, and I rolled my foot. It’s in the middle of my foot.” When asked whether he had encountered a similar injury before, he simply replied, “Yup.” As for healing time, he stated, “We’ll see,” leaving fans uncertain about his immediate availability.
The Clippers managed to keep the game competitive against the Thunder, ultimately losing 103-101. The defeat places the team in a precarious position in the Western Conference play-in race, securing the eighth seed so far with a record of 40-31 and only 11 games remaining in the regular season.
Harden's historic scoring milestone came late in the third quarter when he banked in a floater off the glass, propelling him ahead of Malone’s career mark. However, his shooting was not at its best, as he ended the night with a shooting percentage of just 28.6% (4-for-14), including 33.3% (2-for-6) from behind the arc.
At 35 years old, Harden is also maintaining an impressive average of 22.5 points per game this season while also contributing 5.8 rebounds and 8.7 assists per game across 68 appearances. Even amidst struggles with injuries and shooting, Harden remains a vital cog for the Clippers' playoff aspirations.
This accomplishment is just one of many accolades in Harden’s illustrious career, having previously earned 11 All-Star selections, three scoring titles, two assist titles, and a long-awaited MVP award. Despite his numerous honors, many still consider him to be one of the most underappreciated talents in the league.
Former NBA player Channing Frye echoed this sentiment, remarking that Harden’s shooting and playmaking capabilities frequently go unnoticed. Frye made a notable comparison, suggesting that Harden’s relentless work ethic and exceptional talent would stand out more prominently if not overshadowed by certain other superstars.
Proving his competency beyond just scoring, Harden is also the second-best three-point shooter in league history, boasting an impressive 3,144 made three-pointers. His recent performances show a resurgence in three-point shooting, connecting on an average of three threes per game this season, the highest figure since the 2019-20 season, showcasing his continuous evolution as a player.
As the playoffs approach, the pressure is mounting on Harden and his teammates. The Clippers are just one game behind the Golden State Warriors, who currently occupy the sixth seed. Their upcoming schedule includes a trip to New York to face the Knicks on March 26 and the Nets on March 28, providing necessary opportunities to solidify their playoff position.
Coach Tyronn Lue faces a strategic decision regarding Harden’s health in the course of this crucial stretch. Praising Harden's determination, Lue acknowledged that the veteran player insisted on remaining in the game even after suffering his injuries, which clearly affected his performance late in the match. “Hopefully, he’s okay, but we’ll see,” Lue remarked cautiously.
Harden’s history also flags some concern over injury, having previously dealt with a right foot tendon strain in November 2022 while playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, which sidelined him for over a month. Fans can only hope that this time, the injury won't hamper his ability to contribute during the intense playoff push in the final weeks of the season.
The Clippers remain focused on executing their game plan despite the uncertainty surrounding Harden. Each game plays a crucial role, pushing for a better playoff seed while keeping injuries in check. Despite the outcome against the Thunder, Harden’s historic achievement highlights his significant contributions to the game and the league, making him one to watch as the postseason approaches.
