In a remarkable display of shooting prowess, LA Clippers star James Harden has etched his name in the NBA record books, becoming only the second player in league history to reach the incredible milestone of 3,000 career 3-pointers. This feat places Harden alongside Golden State Warriors legend Stephen Curry in an exclusive club, cementing his status as one of the greatest shooters the game has ever seen.
A Night to Remember
Harden achieved this historic milestone during the Clippers’ thrilling 126-122 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night. The 35-year-old guard showcased his offensive mastery, draining six 3-pointers en route to a game-high 39 points, falling just shy of a triple-double with nine rebounds and 11 assists.
Speaking about his accomplishment after the game, Harden reflected on the countless hours of hard work and dedication that led him to this moment. “It’s another one of those accomplishments that you never take for granted,” he said. “The amount of work that I’ve put in — countless days and nights where I put the work in — a lot of people don’t see it, but the results happen.”
A Week to Remember
Harden’s historic night capped off a remarkable week for the veteran guard. Just a few days earlier, he poured in 43 points — his highest total as a Clipper — in a road win over the Washington Wizards, marking the 100th time in his career that he’s scored 40 or more points in a game. This elite scoring ability places him in the company of NBA legends like Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan.
“He had that first quarter against Washington where he reminded people, ‘Hey, I can still go out here and drop 40 on you real quick,'” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said, marveling at Harden’s offensive prowess.
– Michael Malone, Denver Nuggets Head Coach
Stepping Up in Kawhi’s Absence
Harden’s incredible performances have been all the more vital for the Clippers, who have been without superstar Kawhi Leonard for the entire season thus far. Leonard continues to manage ongoing inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee, leaving Harden to shoulder a greater offensive burden. The departure of Paul George in free agency has only heightened the need for Harden to deliver night in and night out.
To his credit, Harden has risen to the challenge, recalling the prolific scoring displays that defined his tenure with the Houston Rockets. His ability to create for himself and his teammates has been instrumental in keeping the Clippers competitive, as they currently sit at a respectable 13-9 record without their two-time Finals MVP.
The Evolution of James Harden
While Harden’s scoring exploits have always been the stuff of legend, his game has undergone a notable evolution in recent years. As Nuggets coach Michael Malone observed, Harden has matured into a true point guard, orchestrating the Clippers’ offense with precision and poise.
“He makes almost every key decision for their offense,” Malone noted. “He can beat you with his playmaking as well, and that shows you the talent, that shows you the quality of his game, where he’s not solely the scorer.”
– Michael Malone, Denver Nuggets Head Coach
This evolution has not gone unnoticed by Harden’s teammates, who have come to rely on his leadership and mentorship. Norman Powell, one of the beneficiaries of Harden’s playmaking, praised the veteran’s ability to elevate the play of those around him.
“It’s difficult to see from afar, but on the floor, knowing when to attack, knowing when to get his shot off, when to get the guys open, the pass that he makes — he knows how to get guys open and to get the most out of the team,” Powell explained.
– Norman Powell, LA Clippers Guard
Chasing Curry
With 3,000 3-pointers now in the rearview mirror, the question inevitably turns to whether Harden can catch Curry, who currently sits atop the all-time list with an astounding 3,302 made triples. While the gap between the two sharpshooters remains significant, Harden’s longevity and unparalleled ability to create his own shot suggest that the race may be far from over.
At 35 years old, Harden shows no signs of slowing down, and his role as the Clippers’ primary offensive weapon should afford him ample opportunities to continue his assault on the record books. With each passing game, the once-unthinkable notion of anyone surpassing Curry’s 3-point totals becomes increasingly plausible, and Harden appears poised to make a compelling case for the title of greatest shooter in NBA history.
A Legacy Cemented
Regardless of whether he ultimately catches Curry, Harden’s place among the NBA’s all-time greats is secure. His remarkable journey from Sixth Man of the Year to perennial MVP candidate has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, an unshakeable confidence in his abilities, and a flair for the dramatic that has made him one of the most captivating players of his generation.
As he savors this latest milestone, Harden’s focus remains firmly on the present, on leading the Clippers to the promised land and securing the championship that has thus far eluded him. Yet, even as he chases his ultimate goal, the significance of his 3,000th 3-pointer is not lost on him.
“It’s just another testament to the work I put in,” Harden reflected. “It’s not going to be the last thing I accomplish, I’ll tell you that.”
– James Harden, LA Clippers Guard
For now, the basketball world pauses to celebrate the incredible achievement of one of its most gifted and dedicated stars. James Harden, the bearded wonder, the offensive juggernaut, the man who has redefined what it means to be a scorer in the modern NBA, stands tall among the giants of the game, his legacy forever etched in the annals of basketball history.
