BREAKING: James Harden Passes Moses Malone with 27,410 Career Points, Now 11th All-Time in NBA Scoring History!

James Harden Makes NBA History

James Harden has solidified his place among the greatest scorers in NBA history. In a stunning performance, Harden passed the legendary Moses Malone, reaching 27,410 career points, and officially moved into 11th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. This milestone cements Harden’s legacy as one of the most prolific and consistent offensive players the league has ever seen.

For years, Harden has dazzled fans with his step-back three-pointers, crafty ball-handling, and uncanny ability to draw fouls. Now, with this latest achievement, he joins an elite group of NBA legends whose scoring ability defined generations.

As Harden climbs the ranks, the basketball world is left wondering—how much further can he go? Can he crack the top 10 before he retires? Let’s break down his incredible journey, his impact on the game, and what this record means for his legacy.

James Harden’s Road to 27,410 Points

A Dominant College Career and NBA Arrival

James Harden’s scoring brilliance didn’t start in the NBA—it began in college. As a standout at Arizona State University, Harden was already showing signs of his elite offensive ability. After just two seasons, he declared for the 2009 NBA Draft, where he was selected third overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Although he played a sixth-man role in OKC behind Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, Harden quickly proved he had the talent to be a franchise player. His time with the Thunder was just the beginning of what would become a legendary career.

The Houston Rockets Years – A Scoring Explosion

Harden’s true breakout came when he was traded to the Houston Rockets in 2012. As the face of the franchise, Harden developed into an MVP-caliber superstar, revolutionizing the way the game was played.

His scoring averages skyrocketed, and he became known for:

Unstoppable Isolation Plays – Harden was one of the best iso players in NBA history, using his signature step-back three-pointer to torch defenders.

Elite Three-Point Shooting – Few players could match Harden’s ability to create and make difficult three-pointers.

Unmatched Free Throw Shooting – Harden’s ability to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line made him nearly impossible to stop.

During his peak years in Houston, Harden had multiple seasons averaging over 30 points per game, including an MVP-winning season in 2017-18, where he put up an incredible 30.4 PPG.

Later Years and Adaptation

After leaving Houston, Harden’s career saw him take on different roles with the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Clippers. While he was no longer putting up 35 points per game, he remained a high-level playmaker and scorer, adding to his career total and cementing his place among the all-time greats.

His 27,410 points are a testament to his longevity, adaptability, and scoring efficiency.

How Harden Stacks Up Against Other NBA Legends

Passing Moses Malone – A Fitting Comparison

Moses Malone was one of the most dominant big men of his era. A three-time MVP and Hall of Famer, Malone was a relentless scorer who used his physicality to dominate in the paint.

For Harden to pass Malone is a significant achievement, as both players were scoring machines in different ways. While Malone thrived in the post, Harden has redefined perimeter scoring in the modern NBA.

Can Harden Crack the Top 10?

With Karl Malone (36,928 points) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387 points) sitting atop the leaderboard, it may be unrealistic for Harden to reach those heights. However, he is now just one spot away from breaking into the top 10.

Here’s a look at the NBA’s top 15 all-time scorers as of today:

With just under 1,000 points separating Harden from the top 10, it is highly likely that he will surpass Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony within the next season or two. If he continues averaging 20+ points per game, he could move into the 9th or even 8th spot before retiring.

The Legacy of James Harden – One of the Greatest Scorers Ever?

Changing the Way the Game is Played

Harden’s influence on modern offensive basketball is undeniable. His step-back three-pointer is now a staple move for many young players, and his ability to draw fouls reshaped how referees call games.

MVP and Championships – What’s Missing?

While Harden has won an MVP award (2018) and multiple scoring titles, one thing still eludes him—a championship ring. Despite playing alongside some of the game’s best players, including Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Joel Embiid, and now Kawhi Leonard, Harden has yet to win an NBA title.

Many critics argue that his legacy would be even greater if he secured a championship before retiring.

Is He the Greatest Scorer of His Generation?

Harden is often compared to LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry when discussing the greatest scorers of the past two decades. While he may not have the rings that Curry and LeBron do, his ability to score in isolation and control games puts him in the conversation as one of the best offensive players of all time.

What’s Next for Harden?

Now that James Harden has passed Moses Malone with 27,410 career points, the next challenge is breaking into the NBA’s top 10 all-time scoring list.

With a few more productive seasons, Harden could leave the game as one of the top five scorers in NBA history. However, the biggest question remains—can he win a championship before his career ends?

No matter what happens next, one thing is certain: James Harden’s place among basketball’s greatest scorers is undeniable. Fans will continue to debate his impact, but his influence, statistics, and highlight-reel performances will ensure that he is remembered as a true NBA legend.

🔥 Congratulations to James Harden on this historic milestone! 🏀