Los Angeles Clippers star James Harden has officially etched his name among the basketball immortals, securing a spot in the National Basketball Association's (NBA) all-time Top 10 scorers. The historic moment unfolded on Sunday, December 7, 2025, during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
A Milestone Achieved in the Third Quarter
Entering the contest, Harden needed 21 points to surpass the career total of legendary scorer Carmelo Anthony, which stood at 28,289 points. The Beard was aggressive from the opening tip, pouring in 19 points in the first half alone. The chase concluded at the 4:23 mark of the third quarter when Harden calmly sank two free throws, moving him past Anthony on the prestigious list.
He didn't stop there. By the final buzzer, Harden had tallied a game-high 34 points, elevating his career total to 28,303 points and solidifying his new position in the record books.
Joining the Pantheon of Legends
This remarkable achievement places James Harden as the 10th leading scorer in NBA history. He now finds himself on an exclusive list that reads like a who's who of basketball greatness. The elite group he has joined includes:
- LeBron James
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- Karl Malone
- Kobe Bryant
- Michael Jordan
- Dirk Nowitzki
- Wilt Chamberlain
- Kevin Durant
- Shaquille O’Neal
Reaching this milestone is a testament to Harden's incredible scoring prowess, longevity, and consistency throughout his stellar career. It cements his legacy as one of the most potent offensive forces the game has ever seen.
