Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden surpassed Shaquille O'Neal for ninth place on the NBA's all-time scoring list during Monday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Harden reached 28,598 career points with a third-quarter 3-pointer in his 1,187th regular-season appearance. He finished with 32 points and 10 assists in the Clippers' 117-109 victory.
James Harden etched his name further into NBA history on January 13, 2026, when he sank a 3-pointer early in the third quarter against the Charlotte Hornets, pushing his career total to 28,598 points and overtaking Shaquille O'Neal's mark of 28,596. The milestone came in Harden's 1,187th regular-season game, fewer than O'Neal's 1,207 over 19 seasons.
Reflecting on the achievement, Harden expressed admiration for the man he passed. “Shaquille O’Neal, somebody that I literally grew up watching here in L.A.,” Harden said. “Him and Kobe (Bryant) doing their thing, winning multiple championships, the most dominant big man in the history of the game. It’s a true honor, it’s a testament to the work that I put in.”
Entering the night with 28,582 points, Harden needed just 14 to surpass O'Neal. He scored 13 in the first half, including 11 in the opening quarter, then added 11 in the third and eight in the fourth to end with 32 points and 10 assists, securing the Clippers' win. This season, Harden is averaging 25.6 points per game, his highest since 2019-20 when he led the league in scoring for the third straight year.
The 35-year-old, a 11-time All-Star, now trails only Wilt Chamberlain's 31,419 points for eighth place. LeBron James leads the all-time list with 42,601 points, followed by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Kevin Durant. Harden also ranks 12th in career assists and second in 3-pointers made, behind Stephen Curry.
This accomplishment underscores Harden's longevity and versatility after 17 NBA seasons.
