James Harden recently achieved a significant milestone in his career, moving into second place on the NBA’s all-time 3-pointers list. After hitting two 3-pointers in the Los Angeles Clippers’ 116-105 victory over the Utah Jazz, Harden’s career total reached 2,794 shots from beyond the arc, surpassing Ray Allen’s previous mark of 2,973. With this accomplishment, Harden now trails only Stephen Curry, who holds the record with 3,782 career 3-pointers.
Harden took a moment to reflect on the achievement after the game, expressing pride in his journey. "Unbelievable accomplishment. It's just a testament to the amount of work that I've been putting in," Harden said. "As I get older and just chip away at an unbelievable career, I start to accomplish things like that. So I don't ever want to take it for granted." His statement highlighted the years of dedication and hard work that have led him to this point in his career, and his recognition of the importance of consistency and perseverance.
Despite the excitement of moving up the all-time list, Harden was quick to acknowledge the immense challenge of surpassing Curry's record. Although Harden is known for his confident demeanor on the court, he expressed realism when it comes to the possibility of overtaking Curry. “I’m one of the most confident guys that we have in this league,” Harden stated, but when it comes to catching Curry, he added, “No, I probably won’t catch Steph. I don’t think anybody will honestly.”
Harden’s respect for Curry’s shooting prowess is evident, as he praised the Golden State Warriors star for his ability to consistently make shots from all over the floor. "He can shoot the s*** out of the ball," Harden remarked. While many players on the all-time 3-point list excel in catch-and-shoot situations, Curry’s skillset is unique in that he can create his own shots off pick-and-rolls, pindowns, and other dynamic movements. Harden emphasized how Curry has revolutionized the game, influencing not just how shots are taken, but how the game itself is played, with more players now incorporating off-the-dribble shooting into their skill sets.
Harden’s journey to second place on the list is a testament to his exceptional skill and longevity in the NBA. Although Curry’s record remains a formidable benchmark, Harden’s own accomplishments will continue to place him among the all-time greats in basketball history. Despite the challenge of reaching Curry, Harden’s position as one of the league’s top shooters is secure, and his place in the record books will continue to grow as his career progresses.
