James Harden cracks the NBA’s all-time top 10 scoring list

Entering play trailing Carmelo Anthony’s 28,289 points by twenty, Harden finally eclipsed the record against Minnesota with two third-quarter free throws. "A blessing. A testament to all the work I put in," Harden stated. "It’s an honor, especially with someone like Melo who did so many great things for this league."

He finished with thirty-four points on 10-of-18 shooting but missed a buzzer-beating triple, confirming a disappointing 109-106 Clippers loss after surrendering a commanding eighteen-point advantage established in the first half.

The seventeen-year veteran is currently averaging 26.5 points, his best output since his 2019-20 scoring title run with the Houston Rockets, where he astonishingly averaged 34.3. The next legendary name sitting directly ahead on the prestigious ladder is Shaquille O’Neal, whose Hall of Fame career ultimately amassed 28,596 points. As James Harden continues his relentless historical pursuit, he further solidifies his legacy as one of the game's ultimate scorers.