James Harden added another historic line to his resume in Inglewood. The Clippers star passed Shaquille O’Neal to move into ninth place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. It happened quietly at first. Then the weight of history set in.
Harden’s night did not stop at a record. He finished with 32 points and 10 assists as the Clippers beat the Charlotte Hornets 117-109. Kawhi Leonard led the way with 35. But Harden’s place in the record book sparked a bigger conversation that still follows him.
Kawhi Leonard Salutes James Harden’s Grind As Legacy Debate Refuses to Fade
Harden passed O’Neal with a three-pointer at 9:58 of the third quarter at Crypto.com Arena. He pushed his career total to 28,598 points, later finishing the night with 28,614. O’Neal ended his career with 28,596. Harden did it in his 1,187th regular-season game. Shaq needed 1,207.
After the matchup, Leonard spoke to reporters in the locker room and focused on the journey,
“It’s amazing to hear. Where he came from, his upbringing. Showing how much hard work. He’s an inspiration for the youth out here,” Leonard said after the Clippers’ win. “Knowing that if you work hard, you can get there one day. Just stay focused on the daily grind, through all the ups and downs and everything. It’s very hard. Congratulations to him.”
Kawhi Leonard on James Harden passing Shaquille O’Neal to become 9th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list:
“It’s amazing to hear. Where he came from, his upbringing. Showing how much hard work. He’s an inspiration for the youth out here. Knowing that if you work hard you can get… pic.twitter.com/YAmk8la2hP
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) January 13, 2026
Harden also addressed the moment on the court. He spoke during his postgame media session and pointed to growing up in LA watching Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant dominate.
“Shaquille O’Neal, somebody that I literally grew up watching, being from LA,” Harden said. “Him and Kobe (Bryant) doing they thing, winning multiple championships. The most dominant big man in the history of the game. It’s a true honor. “The most dominant big man in the history of the game. It’s a true honor.”
Statistically, the stars’ case continues to grow. He now averages 25.6 points this season, his best mark since 2019-20. He ranks second all-time in made three pointers behind Stephen Curry. He sits in 12th place in the NBA’s all-time assists list.
Even with such an elite number, his legacy still remains a big question mark. Mainly because championships still define NBA greatness. Right now, James Harden hasn’t lifted an NBA trophy, nor has he reached the Finals since 2012. Players close to him on the career scoring chart, such as Shaq, Kobe, and MJ, had each won several rings instead.
Harden’s regular-season data is perfect, but continuous play with Houston, Brooklyn, and Philadelphia keeps the debate alive. Until a title is added, his career will be measured differently from other all-time great scorers.
