James Harden surpassed Shaquille O'Neal for ninth place on the NBA's all-time scoring list, a milestone achieved during a game against the Charlotte Hornets. Harden's 3-pointer in the third quarter pushed his career total to 28,598 points, edging out O'Neal's 28,596. This accomplishment is particularly meaningful for Harden, who grew up watching O'Neal and Kobe Bryant dominate the league.

Harden, playing for the LA Clippers, finished the game with 32 points and 10 assists, leading his team to a 117-109 victory. His performance included a strong first half, where he scored 13 points, and a robust third quarter with 11 points. Harden's average of 25.6 points per game this season marks his highest since 2019-20, when he won his third consecutive scoring title.

This achievement places Harden in an elite group, following LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and other NBA legends. However, reaching the next spot is a challenge, as Wilt Chamberlain's 31,419 points are the next target. Harden recently also moved up to 12th on the all-time assists list and ranks second in 3-pointers made, cementing his status as a versatile scorer and playmaker.

Harden's rise on the scoring list is a testament to his longevity and consistency. As he enters his 17th season, his ability to maintain a high level of performance is noteworthy. Fans and analysts alike are watching to see how far he can climb, with LeBron James still leading the all-time list with 42,601 points.