James Harden Climbs All-Time 3-Point Ladder
In a dazzling display of long-range shooting prowess during a recent clash with the Utah Jazz, James Harden notched another significant milestone in his illustrious NBA career. Harden surpassed Ray Allen to claim the coveted second spot on the all-time list for career 3-pointers made. The Los Angeles Clippers secured a 116-105 victory over the Jazz, but it was Harden’s achievement that took center stage.
A Record to Remember
Harden entered the game needing just one three-pointer to eclipse Ray Allen’s remarkable tally of 2,973 made in his career. With his first 3-pointer of the night, Harden not only tied the record but soon after, he etched his name in the history books with his 2,974th career 3-pointer. He didn’t stop there, finishing the night with a total of 2,975 3-pointers. What makes his accomplishment even more impressive is that Harden reached this milestone in fewer games than Allen, demonstrating the remarkable efficiency and volume of his 3-point shooting regime.
Ray Allen, known for his silky smooth shooting stroke, averaged 5.7 3-point attempts per game during his career, accumulating a total of 7,429 attempts. Harden, contrastingly, has already launched a staggering 8,187 3-point attempts throughout his career, showcasing his willingness to rely on the deep shot as a staple of his offensive arsenal. Throughout his career, Harden has averaged 7.5 3-point attempts per game, with his aggressive shooting style particularly prominent during his tenure with the Houston Rockets, where he averaged 13.2 attempts from beyond the arc per game.
The Shadow of Stephen Curry
While Harden’s feat deserves applause and recognition, the mountain that stands before him is Stephen Curry's all-time record of 3,782 career 3-pointers. Curry has redefined the parameters of 3-point shooting in the NBA, setting new standards for accuracy and volume, leaving him as the current king in this category. Harden, however, remains one of the few active players with the potential to challenge Curry’s record, provided he maintains his prolific pace and remains healthy.
An Illustrious Career
At 35 years of age, James Harden's resume is already brimming with accolades that speak to his impact on the court. The Brooklyn Nets guard boasts an NBA Most Valuable Player award, is a ten-time All-Star, and has been named to the All-NBA team seven times. Additionally, Harden is a three-time scoring champion, revealing his ability to lead the league in points consistently. Recognition of his career achievements also saw him being named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team, marking him as one of the greatest players in the history of the league.
Contributions Beyond Shooting
In the matchup against the Jazz, while Harden’s 3-point milestone was the highlight, his performance was anything but one-dimensional. Harden contributed significantly to the Clippers’ victory with an all-around performance, amassing 20 points, 11 assists, and six rebounds. His ability to score, facilitate, and influence the game in multiple facets underscores why he has been a perennial force in the league.
As James Harden continues to craft his narrative, each 3-pointer further cements his legacy as one of the game’s premier shooters. His journey towards potentially catching Stephen Curry will be one to watch, but his standing as one of basketball's legends is already assured.