James Harden etched his name into NBA history by securing the second spot on the league’s all-time three-point list in a historic moment that will live on for years to come. The LA Clippers star surpassed NBA legend Ray Allen during a decisive 116-105 victory over the Utah Jazz at the Intuit Dome.
The milestone shot came with 6:09 remaining in the first quarter, as Harden connected on a pull-up three from the right wing. While he had a slow start, missing his first three attempts from beyond the arc, the fourth try proved to be the charm that pushed him past Allen’s mark of 2,973 three-pointers.
“When I got traded to Houston, I knew I was gonna be successful,” Harden reflected after the game. In a touching moment of gratitude, the 35-year-old star credited his early years with the Oklahoma City Thunder for laying the foundation of his success. “They had the blueprint of how to work,” he acknowledged, specifically thanking former teammates Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook for their influence.
The Numbers Tell The Story:
- Career three-point shooting percentage: 36.3%
- I led the NBA in made three-pointers for three consecutive seasons (2017-19).
- Set the second-highest single-season record with 378 three-pointers in 2018-19.
- One of only three players to hit 300+ three-pointers in a single season
Beyond the milestone, Harden’s performance contributed significantly to the Clippers’ victory, as he finished with 20 points and 11 assists. The win helped improve the Clippers’ record to 7-7, pushing them to 11th place in the Western Conference.
When asked about the achievement, Harden playfully commented about Stephen Curry, who holds the top spot with 3,782 three-pointers. “I’d consider myself first on the list since Steph doesn’t count,” Harden joked, paying tribute to Curry’s exceptional shooting abilities by suggesting he’s in a league of his own.
The game also marked the return of Clippers center Mo Bamba from a left knee injury that had sidelined him for 13 games. Bamba made an immediate impact, contributing nine points and eight rebounds in 15 minutes of play.
Looking back, one can’t help but wonder what might have been if the Oklahoma City Thunder had kept their young core of Durant, Westbrook, and Harden together. The 2012 trade that sent Harden to the Houston Rockets changed the course of NBA history, but it also set the stage for his emergence as one of the league’s premier shooters.
While Harden may be unlikely to catch Curry’s astronomical three-point total, his achievement represents more than just numbers. It’s a testament to his evolution from sixth man in Oklahoma City to one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history. His journey embodies the changing nature of basketball, where the three-point shot has become a cornerstone of the modern game.
As the Clippers prepare to face the Golden State Warriors in their next game, Harden’s milestone serves as a reminder of his lasting impact on basketball. His unique blend of step-back threes, playmaking ability, and scoring prowess has helped reshape the game, ensuring his legacy will endure long after his playing days are over.
Whether or not he adds significantly to his three-point total, James Harden has already secured his place among basketball’s elite shooters, turning what was once considered a specialty skill into an art form that has helped define an era of NBA basketball.