INGLEWOOD, Calif. — James Harden has made history by becoming only the second player in NBA history to surpass 3,000 career three-pointers, joining Stephen Curry in this prestigious milestone. Harden achieved this remarkable feat during the first half of the Los Angeles Clippers’ thrilling 126-122 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday evening. He tallied three three-pointers in each half, finishing the game as the leading scorer for the Clippers with an impressive total of 39 points.
“It’s another one of those accomplishments that you never take for granted,” Harden expressed after the game. “The amount of work that I’ve put in — countless days and nights working hard — a lot of people don’t see that effort, but the outcomes show the results, so I’m just grateful.” He narrowly missed achieving a triple-double, ending the match with nine rebounds and 11 assists.
This significant milestone capped off a remarkable week for the 35-year-old player. A few days earlier, he had scored 43 points — his highest since joining the Clippers — in a road win over the Washington Wizards, marking his 100th career game with at least 40 points. With this achievement, Harden joined the ranks of legendary players like Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan.
“He had a fantastic first quarter against Washington that reminded everyone, ‘Hey, I can still go out here and drop 40 on you real quick,’” commented Nuggets coach Michael Malone, highlighting Harden’s explosive capabilities.
Despite missing superstar Kawhi Leonard, who has not played this season due to ongoing knee issues, the Clippers hold a record of 13-9. Harden has taken on a larger offensive role in Leonard’s absence, especially following Paul George’s departure in the offseason. His recent performances have at times mirrored his prolific scoring days with the Houston Rockets.
Malone noted Harden’s growth as a player and his ability to respond effectively in his role as a point guard. “He makes almost every key decision for their offense,” the coach emphasized. “He can definitely hurt you with his playmaking as well, demonstrating the level of talent and quality he possesses, showing he’s not just a scorer.”
In addition to his scoring and playmaking, Harden is also taking on a mentorship role with the younger players on the Clippers, a position he has embraced wholeheartedly. “It’s very comfortable for me because I’ve been in this situation for much of my NBA career. I try to help the guys as much as possible to make the game easier for them,” he stated. “It’s truly enjoyable.”
Teammate Norman Powell highlighted the positive impact Harden’s presence has on the team, reflecting that the players enjoy collaborating with him, knowing he will facilitate their gameplay effectively. “It’s hard to fully appreciate from a distance,” Powell said, “but on the court, he knows when to attack, when to take his shot, and how to open up opportunities for others. He has a knack for finding ways to create space for teammates and maximizing team dynamics.”