As the Los Angeles Clippers look to move up into sixth place in the Western Conference and avoid the play-in tournament, James Harden continues to climb the NBA's all-time scoring list. His latest achievements have transformed him into a focal point as the Clippers aim for stronger playoff positioning.
Last Saturday, during a matchup against the Atlanta Hawks, Harden surpassed Elvin Hayes to snag the 12th spot on the all-time scoring list, scoring 25 points in that game. The following day, in a close contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder, he hit a floater in the third quarter to push his career total to 27,410 points, officially placing him 11th all-time, ahead of the late Hall of Famer Moses Malone.
"Congrats James Harden. With his 27,410th career point, James Harden surpassed Moses Malone for sole possession of 11th place on the NBA's all-time points list," read a congratulatory tweet from the NBA. Malone is noted as one of basketball's underrated legends, known for his relentless scoring ability during his prime in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and was a three-time league MVP during a stellar career.
Entering Sunday’s game against the Thunder, the Clippers sported a solid 40-30 record, sitting in seventh place in the Western Conference, just half a game behind the Golden State Warriors, who were at sixth.
Currently on a five-game winning streak, the Clippers have benefited significantly from Harden's contributions. On Friday against the Memphis Grizzlies, he scored 30 points on 8-of-14 shooting and 5-of-10 from three-point range. He finished that game with nine assists, illustrating his dual-threat capability as a scorer and playmaker.
Despite this impressive performance, Harden's season has not been without challenges. As of that matchup against Oklahoma City, Harden was averaging 22.6 points, 8.7 assists, but shooting just 39.8% from the field, while also averaging 4.4 turnovers per game. These statistics indicate areas where he can improve to help lead the Clippers deeper into the playoffs.
James Harden’s journey in the NBA has seen him evolve from a promising player drafted by the Thunder in 2009 to an integral part of the Clippers. This versatility and scoring acumen has kept him relevant in a league that often shifts toward younger players.
His ability to still perform at a high level at 35 years old is impressive, especially as he has played 67 out of the Clippers’ 70 games this season, missing only three. During this recent run, Harden's numbers have been bolstered by several standout performances; he recently scored 50 points against the Phoenix Suns and had a double-double of 31 points and 10 assists against the Charlotte Hornets.
However, not everything is rosy in Clipper-land. Their upcoming matchup against the Thunder, set for March 23, 2025, is crucial; they have struggled historically against Oklahoma City, going winless in their last four meetings. The anticipation is palpable, especially with insights from former pro Chandler Parsons, who noted, "The Clippers would be OKC’s toughest opponents come playoffs."
The emotional stakes are even higher for Harden, who expresses determination to continue his climb on the scoring list. With every game, he inches closer to the next milestone—Carmelo Anthony, who sits just 479 points ahead of him at 28,289—and potentially to Shaquille O'Neal's mark at 28,596 for 9th place.
In a televised interview, Ty Lue, Clippers head coach, highlighted the resilience of his roster. “We’re confident going in. James has been our leader,” he said, reflecting the vibe in the locker room. “If we can retain our seamless flow, we have every chance to surprise teams in the playoffs.”
In terms of injuries, the Clippers remain cautious. Seth Lundy is on the mend from ankle surgery, while Jordan Miller is nursing a left hamstring injury, sidelining him for a fifth consecutive game.
As the Clippers prepare for the Thunder, Harden’s shoulders will bear significant weight. Each time he steps onto the court, the possibility of history looms, and the hope for a deeper run in the playoffs rests on their collective performance as a team. Will the Clippers break their unlucky streak against Oklahoma City, or will Harden's record-setting night propel them to victory?
