Los Angeles Clippers star guard James Harden etched his name further into basketball immortality on Monday night, officially surpassing Hall of Fame center Shaquille O'Neal to claim the ninth spot on the NBA's all-time scoring list. In a vintage performance that blended elite playmaking with his signature scoring prowess, Harden led the Clippers to a gritty 117-109 victory over the Charlotte Hornets at the Intuit Dome.
A Historic Night in Los Angeles
Entering the contest just 14 points shy of O'Neal's career total of 28,596, the anticipation in the arena was palpable. Harden, who has successfully transitioned into a more facilitating role this season, wasted little time attacking the basket. He scored 13 points in the first half, setting the stage for the milestone moment early in the third quarter.
With his team clinging to a slim lead, Harden dribbled to the top of the key and drilled his signature step-back three-pointer. The shot not only extended the Clippers' lead but vaulted him past the legendary "Diesel" in the record books. The 10-time All-Star finished the night with a commanding stat line of 32 points and 10 assists, pushing his new career scoring total to 28,614 points.
Harden's Reaction to the Milestone
Speaking to reporters after the game, an emotional Harden reflected on the significance of passing a Lakers icon while playing in his hometown of Los Angeles.
"Shaquille O'Neal is somebody that I literally grew up watching here in L.A.," Harden said. "Him and Kobe doing their thing, winning multiple championships... he's the most dominant big man in the history of the game. To be mentioned in the same breath, to pass him, it's a true honor. It's a testament to the work that I put in every single day."
Updated NBA All-Time Scoring Leaders (2026)
With this latest achievement, the NBA career points leaders 2026 list sees another reshuffle among its top ranks. Harden's ascent highlights the longevity and adaptability that have defined his 17-year career. He now sits one spot behind another giant of the game, Wilt Chamberlain.
However, the climb to eighth place will be steep. Chamberlain stands at 31,419 points, meaning Harden needs nearly 3,000 more points to advance further—a feat that would likely require two to three more healthy, high-scoring seasons. Meanwhile, the top of the list remains occupied by active legend LeBron James, who continues to extend his record past 42,000 points.
Current Top 10 NBA All-Time Scorers:
- 1. LeBron James
- 2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- 3. Karl Malone
- 4. Kobe Bryant
- 5. Michael Jordan
- 6. Dirk Nowitzki
- 7. Kevin Durant
- 8. Wilt Chamberlain
- 9. James Harden
- 10. Shaquille O'Neal
Clippers Keep Rolling Behind Star Duo
While the night belonged to Harden's individual brilliance, the Los Angeles Clippers news cycle is also buzzing about the team's collective resilience. Kawhi Leonard was equally spectacular in Monday's win, dropping a game-high 35 points to help hold off a spirited Hornets rally. The victory marked the Clippers' fourth win in their last five games, solidifying their playoff positioning in a crowded Western Conference.
Head coach Tyronn Lue praised Harden's ability to balance personal history with winning basketball. "We knew he was close to the record," Lue admitted post-game. "But James didn't force it. He let the game come to him, got his teammates involved with those 10 assists, and hit the big shots when we needed them to close it out. That's winning basketball."
What This Means for Harden's Legacy
As one of the most polarizing players of his generation, James Harden's career milestones often spark debate. Yet, the numbers are becoming undeniable. By cracking the top 10 in scoring while simultaneously ranking in the top 15 all-time for assists and top 3 for three-pointers made, Harden is carving out a unique statistical niche that few in NBA history can match.
The James Harden vs Shaquille O'Neal comparison offers a fascinating look at how the league has evolved. O'Neal dominated the paint with brute force, while Harden revolutionized the game from the perimeter, utilizing the three-point shot and free-throw line to accumulate points at a historic rate. Passing Shaq serves as a symbolic changing of the guard, emphasizing the perimeter-oriented era that Harden helped usher in.
As the 2025-26 season continues, fans will be watching closely to see how high "The Beard" can climb before he eventually hangs up his sneakers. For now, he stands alone at number nine, a verified legend of the sport.
