James Harden‘s Ascent to NBA Scoring Greatness: A Deep Dive into His historic Achievement
On December 7th, 2025, at Target Center in Minneapolis, James Harden etched his name further into NBA history, surpassing Carmelo Anthony to become the 10th all-time leading scorer. This milestone,achieved during a 109-106 loss for the LA Clippers against the Minnesota Timberwolves,isn’t just a number; it’s a testament to a career defined by relentless offensive prowess,skill,and a unique understanding of basketball. But what does this achievement really mean in the context of NBA scoring history,and what can we expect from Harden as he continues his climb? This article will explore the significance of this moment,analyze Harden’s scoring style,and place his accomplishment within the broader landscape of NBA legends. We’ll also look at the statistical context,recent trends in scoring,and what this means for his legacy.
The Significance of Breaking into the Top 10
For decades, the NBA’s scoring leaderboard has been dominated by iconic names – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, LeBron James. To break into the top 10 is to join an exclusive club. As of today,December 7th,2025,Harden’s career total stands at 28,303 points,just 293 points behind Shaquille O’Neal at number nine. This isn’t merely about accumulating points; it’s about sustained excellence over a long and demanding career.
Harden’s ascent is especially noteworthy considering the evolution of the game. Modern NBA offenses prioritize spacing and three-point shooting, creating more opportunities for high-volume scorers.however, Harden’s scoring isn’t solely reliant on the three-pointer; his mastery of the step-back jumper, ability to draw fouls, and exceptional court vision make him a multifaceted offensive threat.
Deconstructing James Harden’s scoring Arsenal
Harden’s scoring isn’t about athleticism or overpowering opponents. It’s about craft. He’s a master of manipulation, using his body, dribbling skills, and understanding of defensive principles to create scoring opportunities. His signature move, the step-back jumper, is arguably the most unguardable move in the modern NBA.
Here’s a breakdown of his key scoring attributes:
* Step-Back Jumper: The cornerstone of his offense,creating separation from defenders.
* Foul Drawing: harden consistently ranks among the league leaders in free throw attempts,converting those opportunities into crucial points. In the 2023-2024 season, he averaged 7.1 free throw attempts per game (source: NBA.com/stats,accessed December 7th,2025).
* Mid-Range Game: While the league has shifted towards three-point shooting, Harden remains a potent mid-range scorer.
* Playmaking: Harden’s scoring ability opens up opportunities for his teammates, making him a risky facilitator as well. He currently averages 9.3 assists per game (NBA.com/stats, December 7th, 2025).
* Isolation Scoring: Harden excels in one-on-one situations, consistently breaking down defenders.
This multifaceted approach makes him incredibly difficult to defend. He doesn’t rely on one single skill; he exploits any defensive weakness.
Harden’s Place in NBA Scoring History: A Comparative Look
To truly appreciate Harden’s achievement, it’s helpful to compare him to other scoring legends. Here’s a
