Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden has officially cemented his legacy among the basketball greats, securing a spot in the NBA's all-time top 10 scorers. The historic moment occurred during the Clippers' 109-106 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
A Night of Historic Achievement
Entering the contest, Harden needed 21 points to move past the legendary Carmelo Anthony, whose career total stood at 28,289 points. Harden started aggressively, pouring in 19 points before halftime. The defining moment arrived at the 4:23 mark of the third quarter, when Harden sank two free throws to eclipse Anthony's record.
By the final buzzer, Harden had tallied a game-high 34 points, raising his career total to an impressive 28,303 points. This accomplishment wasn't enough to secure a win for his team, but it permanently etched his name in the league's record books.
Joining Basketball Immortality
With this milestone, James Harden now occupies the 10th position on the NBA's prestigious all-time scoring list. He enters a pantheon of legends that defines the sport's history. The elite group ahead of him includes iconic figures such as LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, Wilt Chamberlain, Kevin Durant, and Shaquille O'Neal.
What This Means for Harden's Legacy
Reaching the top 10 is a monumental feat that underscores Harden's remarkable consistency and scoring prowess throughout his career. It validates his status as one of the most potent offensive forces of his generation. For Filipino basketball fans who follow the NBA passionately, this adds another chapter to the story of a future Hall of Famer. While team success remains the ultimate goal, individual accolades of this magnitude are a rare and celebrated testament to a player's enduring impact on the game.
