Full Breakdown
James Harden Surpasses Shaquille O'Neal on NBA All-Time Scoring List
1/14/2026, 1:22:37 AM
Historic Milestone Achieved
On January 12, 2026, James Harden of the Los Angeles Clippers achieved a significant milestone by surpassing Shaquille O'Neal to claim the ninth spot on the NBA's all-time scoring list. In a game against the Charlotte Hornets, Harden scored 32 points, bringing his career total to 28,614 points, while O'Neal's career total stands at 28,596 points. Harden reached this landmark with a three-pointer early in the third quarter, contributing to the Clippers' 117-109 victory.
Career Progression and Current Performance
Harden's journey to this milestone has been marked by a steady increase in scoring output. Currently averaging 25.8 points per game, this is his highest scoring average since the 2019-2020 season. Over his 17-year career, he has consistently demonstrated his scoring prowess, particularly through three-point shooting and free throws, with over 18,000 points coming from these areas. Despite being one of only two players in the top ten without an NBA championship, alongside Karl Malone, Harden's scoring ability has solidified his place among the greats.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Harden has the potential to climb further up the scoring list. To surpass Michael Jordan, who ranks fifth with 32,292 points, Harden would need to play approximately 176 more games at his current scoring average. To reach Kobe Bryant's fourth position with 33,643 points, he would require around 240 additional games. Given that Harden is under contract with the Clippers until 2027, extending his career beyond this contract could facilitate his ascent into the top five all-time scorers.
Official Statements & Responses
After the game, Harden reflected on his achievement, stating, "It's definitely special just because you literally grew up watching these players... Shaq is someone that I watched being a hometown kid in L.A." He acknowledged O'Neal's dominance in the game, calling him "the most dominant big man in the history of the game." This sentiment highlights the respect Harden holds for the legends of the sport.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite his accomplishments, Harden's style of play has drawn criticism from basketball purists who question the effectiveness of his reliance on step-back three-pointers and drawing fouls. Nonetheless, his scoring record speaks to the success of his approach.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Harden's scoring total is confirmed at 28,614 points, discrepancies exist regarding the exact number of games played to reach this milestone. Harden achieved this in 1,187 games, while O'Neal reached his total in 1,207 games. Additionally, the implications of Harden's scoring achievements on his legacy and potential future rankings remain a topic of discussion among analysts.
What's Next
As the Clippers aim to improve their current 15-23 record and secure a playoff position, Harden's performance will be crucial. His ability to maintain or increase his scoring output will determine not only his standing on the all-time list but also the team's success in the ongoing season.
