James Harden Surpasses O'Neal On Scoring List

James Harden climbed to ninth on the NBA all-time scoring list while leading the Los Angeles Clippers past the Charlotte Hornets 117-109. Harden scored 32 points and Kawhi Leonard added 35, as the Clippers closed out a demanding stretch with another home win against improving opponents.

Charlotte had performed strongly in recent games, and the Clippers were returning from an extended road sequence, which added difficulty. Harden spoke about sharing the floor with Leonard after their combined 67 points, saying, "It's exciting. " "Two of the most skilled talents that this league has ever seen,"

Harden moved beyond Shaquille O'Neal’s career total of 28,596 points with a three-pointer in the third quarter. That basket pushed Harden into sole possession

of ninth place. The Clippers guard reached the mark in 20 fewer games than O'Neal and is averaging 25.6 points, Harden’s highest figure since the 2019-20 season, when Harden posted 34.3.

Among historical scorers, Harden now sits behind Wilt Chamberlain, who finished with 31,419 points and currently occupies eighth. Kevin Durant recently passed Chamberlain in that position on the NBA all-time scoring list. The gap between Harden and Chamberlain remains large, but the veteran’s current production keeps Harden within long-term reach of the next landmark.

Reflecting on overtaking O'Neal, Harden referenced earlier days as a basketball fan in California. "Shaquille O'Neal, somebody that I literally grew up watching here in L.A.," said Harden. "Him and Kobe [Bryant] doing their thing, winning multiple championships, the most dominant big man in the history of the game. " "It's a true honour; it's a testament to the work that I put in. "

Two of the most skilled talents that this league has ever seen - James Harden on him & Kawhi combining for 67 points pic.twitter.com/ZfhUixKLnILA Clippers (@LAClippers) January 13, 2026

Across the contest, Harden delivered 32 points, 10 assists, five rebounds and four steals in a complete performance. Leonard’s 35 points supported that effort, and the duo again proved decisive. It marked the third occasion both players produced at least 30 points in the same game, with the Clippers winning every time.

The result underlined how Harden’s individual scoring pursuit and the Clippers’ ambitions continue to align. Harden’s latest step on the NBA all-time scoring list arrived in another victory, with Leonard heavily involved, and the team maintained momentum while one of its leading players reached a major statistical milestone.