In a defining moment for his career, James Harden, the star player of the Los Angeles Clippers, achieved a significant milestone by reaching 25000 career points during the team’s triumph against the Golden State Warriors, securing a 121-113 victory. Harden now joins an elite group as the third active player to attain this 25K milestone, solidifying his place as the 24th all-time scorer in the history of the NBA.
Reflecting on his achievement, Harden emphasized the importance of team success, stating, “Winning is the key for me. The stats and personal achievements, while significant, are secondary. I focus on winning, building team chemistry, and enhancing our collective performance. Last night’s game was another stride forward for us as a unit.”
During a crucial play in the third quarter, Harden showcased his command by orchestrating a move at the top of the key, utilizing a screen from Ivica Zubac. Despite not being the most potent screen, it provided Harden the opportunity to penetrate into the paint, deftly maneuvering past Dario Saric for a scoring play.
In an impressive display since joining the Clippers, Harden concluded the game with 28 points, seven rebounds, and 15 assists. The Clippers, after an initially slow start during the Harden era, have remarkably secured six consecutive victories and triumphed in 11 out of their last 14 games, propelling them to the seventh spot in the competitive Western Conference standings.
While Harden currently holds the 24th position in the all-time scoring chart, his ascent seems inevitable. With a gap of 184 points behind Jerry West in 23rd place and 271 points trailing Reggie Miller in 22nd, Harden’s scoring prowess suggests he could surpass both players within the next 15 to 20 games. Although reaching Kevin Garnett’s 19th position this season might be ambitious, Harden requires an additional 1,063 points to ascend to that rank.
Beyond his scoring feats, Harden’s stature as one of the premier playmakers of his generation is undeniable. Joining the ranks of LeBron James and Oscar Robertson, he stands as one of only three players to achieve a remarkable milestone of 25000 Career Points, 5,000 rebounds, and 7,000 assists in NBA history.
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