Another day, another milestone for All-Star guard James Harden.
The 17-year veteran moved into the Top 10 on the NBA’s scoring list earlier this season, and climbed up the ladder again on Monday night in Los Angeles against the Charlotte Hornets.
Harden finished with 32 points, 10 assists and four steals, surpassing Shaquille O’Neal to become the ninth All-Time leading scorer in NBA history, with 28,614 points and counting.
While reflecting on the career achievement, Harden was not short on praise for the NBA legend O’Neal.
James Harden reflected on how it felt to pass Shaq on the NBA all-time scoring list after he grew up in LA watching Shaq and Kobe.
“Shaquille O’Neal was somebody that I literally grew up watching, especially being from Los Angeles,” Harden said. “He’s the most dominant big man in the history of the game. It’s a true honor.”
With three scoring titles to his credit, it’s no surprise Harden has ascended the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
Still, overtaking a Hall of Famer as distinguished as O’Neal speaks volumes to what Harden is achieving this deep into his storied career.
Harden is averaging 25.8 points, eight assists and 4.2 rebounds per game, drawing All-NBA consideration in his age-36 season.
“It’s a testament to the work that I put in,” the former MVP said. “All glory to God.”
Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard discussed Harden’s impact, both on and off the court, after he surpassed O’Neal for the ninth-most points in league history:
“It’s amazing to hear. Where he came from, his upbringing. He’s an inspiration for the youth out here. Knowing that if you work hard, you can get there one day. Just stay focused on the daily grind. Through all the ups and downs and everything. It’s very hard. Congratulations to him.”
James Harden Measures All-Time Greats Amid Career Milestone
For Harden, longevity speaks volumes when discussing basketball legacy.
The southpaw guard has been virtually unguardable this season (and the majority of his career), posting All-Star-worthy numbers at an age when many have long retired.
Following the game, Harden compared himself to NBA legends Steph Curry, Kevin Durant and LeBron James, stating that fans should appreciate the league’s tenured stars.
“I work my butt off,” Harden told reporters. “You don’t understand how hard it is to work and the longevity of it. It’s a handful of guys who understand it and know it. A couple of them are still playing at a high level which is a beautiful thing to see… Cherish it. Embrace it. Love it. Because once it’s over it’s over.
“You watch guys like Bron, Steph, KD, Russ do their thing at the highest level still at our age. It’s a beautiful thing to see. It’s a testament to those guys and the work they put in, and we’ve put in, to be able to be still doing it this long.”
Harden is one of three guards in NBA history with 28,000 career points.
Since 2009, when Harden entered the league, only Lakers star LeBron James (29,630) has scored more points than Harden (28,614).
“A true honor”: James Harden Dishes on Eclipsing Shaq on Scoring List