James Harden Climbs the 3-Point Ladder
James Harden has solidified his position as one of the NBA's most formidable sharpshooters, surpassing Ray Allen to claim the second spot on the all-time list for career 3-pointers made. With his 2,974th career 3-pointer, Harden not only showcased his remarkable skill and consistency but also demonstrated his capacity to achieve this milestone in fewer games than the legendary Ray Allen.
Record-Breaking Achievement
The Los Angeles Clippers' victory over the Utah Jazz was not just an ordinary game in the NBA calendar; it was a defining moment for James Harden. Harden added one more 3-pointer to his tally during this matchup, elevating his career total to 2,975 3-pointers. The Clippers came out on top with a final score of 116-105, but the night belonged to Harden as his personal feat added an extra layer of excitement to the team's win.
Standing ahead of Harden on the all-time 3-point list is none other than Stephen Curry, who holds the record with an impressive 3,782 career 3-pointers. While reaching Curry's heights remains a challenging target, Harden's recent achievement further cements his legacy in NBA history.
A Career Defined by Excellence
Harden's journey to becoming one of the league's elite long-distance shooters is underlined by some impressive statistics. Over the course of his career, he has averaged 7.5 3-point attempts per game. His tenure with the Houston Rockets saw him increase this figure significantly, averaging a staggering 13.2 attempts per game, reflecting his central role and the offensive strategies employed during that period.
Ray Allen, who Harden has now surpassed, averaged 5.7 3-point attempts per game, amassing a total of 7,429 attempts in his career. In comparison, Harden has launched 8,187 3-point shots, a testament to his relentless pursuit and prolific scoring ability from beyond the arc.
A Prolific Career
At 35, James Harden has already achieved a list of accolades that many players only dream of. His impressive resume includes an NBA Most Valuable Player award, three scoring titles, and a remarkable ten selections as an All-Star. Furthermore, his seven All-NBA team selections point to his consistent performance at the highest level throughout his career.
A member of the exclusive NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Harden's recent performance against the Jazz not only highlighted his shooting prowess but also his overall contribution to the game. He scored an impactful 20 points, alongside delivering 11 assists and securing six rebounds, showcasing his well-rounded capabilities that go beyond scoring.
The Road Ahead
With each passing game, James Harden's legacy continues to grow. While his latest achievement has placed him second in the all-time 3-point scorers' list, his journey is far from over. As he continues to play, fans and analysts alike will eagerly watch to see how close he can come to matching or surpassing Stephen Curry's formidable record.
For now, Harden's contribution to the Clippers' win and his pursuit of personal milestones reflects the essence of a player committed not only to his craft but to rewriting the history books of the NBA. As the season progresses, the basketball world will undoubtedly witness more game-changing performances from the man who has now etched his name alongside the greatest shooters in the sport.