James Harden Reaches 3,000 Career 3-Pointers, Leads Clippers to Victory Over Nuggets
James Harden continues to make history in the NBA, becoming only the second player after Stephen Curry to reach 3,000 career three-pointers. The milestone came during the LA Clippers’ 126-122 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night at the Intuit Dome. Harden delivered a stellar performance, finishing with 39 points, nine rebounds, and 11 assists, narrowly missing a triple-double.
A Historic Achievement
Harden hit the milestone during the first half of the game, where he sank three three-pointers before adding three more in the second half. His contributions were pivotal in leading the Clippers to victory, particularly in a tightly contested matchup against the reigning NBA champions.
Reflecting on his accomplishment, Harden said, “Another one of those accomplishments that you never take for granted. The amount of work that I’ve put in—countless days and nights where I put the work in—a lot of people don’t see it, but the results happen, so I’m just thankful.”
James Harden COOKED on his HISTORIC night…
39 PTS | 11 AST | 9 REB | 6 3PM | W@JHarden13 joined Steph Curry as the only players in NBA history with 3k 3PM! pic.twitter.com/iYEqX9GY3y
— NBA (@NBA) December 2, 2024
Harden’s achievement places him in elite company alongside Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry. Curry, widely regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history, was the first to reach the 3,000 three-pointer milestone, and Harden now joins him as the only other player to achieve this feat.
A Stellar Week for Harden
Harden’s milestone capped off an outstanding week for the 35-year-old guard. Earlier, he scored 43 points in a road victory over the Washington Wizards, marking his 100th career game with 40 or more points. This performance placed him in the company of Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan as the only players in NBA history with 100 or more 40-point games.
“He had that first quarter against Washington where he reminded people, ‘Hey, I can still go out here and drop 40 on you real quick,'” said Nuggets coach Michael Malone, acknowledging Harden’s ability to dominate games even at this stage of his career.
Leading the Clippers Without Kawhi Leonard
The Clippers have had to adapt this season, playing without superstar Kawhi Leonard, who is sidelined with ongoing inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee. Additionally, the offseason departure of Paul George left a significant void in the team’s offensive firepower.
He has stepped up to fill that gap, carrying a greater offensive load while also serving as the primary playmaker. His ability to blend scoring with facilitating has been critical in keeping the Clippers competitive. The team currently holds a 13-9 record, a testament to Harden’s leadership and performance.
Norman Powell, a key contributor for the Clippers, praised his ability to elevate the team. “It’s difficult to see from afar,” Powell said, “but on the floor knowing when to attack, knowing when to get his shot off, when to get the guys open, the pass that he makes. He knows how to get guys open and to get the most out of the team.”
Harden’s Evolution as a Playmaker
Once known primarily for his prolific scoring, Harden has evolved into one of the NBA’s most versatile guards, capable of dictating games with his playmaking as much as his scoring. Nuggets coach Michael Malone highlighted this aspect of Harden’s game: “He makes almost every key decision for their offense. He can beat you with his playmaking as well, and that shows you the talent, that shows you the quality of his game, where he’s not solely the scorer.”
Harden’s 11 assists against Denver were a testament to his ability to involve teammates while maintaining his scoring edge. He has embraced his role as the Clippers’ floor general, orchestrating the offense with precision and ensuring his teammates remain engaged.
Mentorship and Leadership
Beyond his on-court performance, he has taken on a leadership role with the Clippers, mentoring the team’s younger players and helping them grow within the system. “It’s easy for me just because I’ve been in this situation for a lot of my NBA career. Just helping guys as much as I can to where it makes the game a lot easier for them,” Harden said. “It’s really fun.”
His ability to balance mentorship with his responsibilities as a player has earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches alike. Harden’s willingness to share his experience and basketball IQ has been a significant factor in the Clippers’ ability to adapt to their new lineup dynamics.
A Look Ahead for the Clippers
The Clippers’ victory over the Nuggets highlighted their resilience and ability to compete even without some of their star players. Harden’s leadership and consistent performances will be crucial as the team navigates the rest of the season and aims for a deep playoff run.
For him, reaching the 3,000 three-pointer milestone is another chapter in a storied career that has already seen numerous accolades. Yet, his focus remains on helping the Clippers achieve success as a team. As he continues to deliver on both ends of the court, Harden is proving that he still has plenty to offer in his 15th NBA season.
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