James Harden vs. Shaquille O’Neal: The Ultimate Battle for NBA Scoring Supremacy Ignites in 2025-2026 Season

James Harden has long been one of the most polarizing and talented scorers in NBA history. From his days with the Houston Rockets to his stints with the Brooklyn Nets and now the Los Angeles Clippers, his impact on the game has been undeniable. Now, as the 2025-2026 NBA season approaches, Harden finds himself on the cusp of yet another remarkable career milestone: surpassing Shaquille O’Neal on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.

The upcoming season could cement Harden’s place even deeper in the annals of basketball history, as he is only 909 points away from overtaking the Hall of Fame center. More importantly, it symbolizes a potential resurgence for a player who, just a season ago, was written off by many critics.

A Resurgence Few Saw Coming

The 2024-2025 NBA season was viewed by some as a make-or-break campaign for James Harden. After being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers early in the 2023-2024 season, expectations were cautiously optimistic. Many doubted whether Harden could fit into a team already stacked with stars like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, and whether he still had the athleticism and drive to perform at a high level.

But Harden silenced his doubters with one of his most efficient seasons in years. Playing in 79 games, he averaged 22.8 points per game, while also dishing out assists and taking on the role of primary playmaker when Leonard was sidelined for nearly half the season. One of the highlights of his campaign was a jaw-dropping 50-point performance against the Detroit Pistons, a reminder that the former MVP is still capable of dominating any game.

Climbing the All-Time Scoring Ladder

Let’s break down the numbers. Shaquille O’Neal, one of the most dominant big men the league has ever seen, retired with 28,596 career points, placing him 11th on the NBA all-time scoring list. James Harden is currently sitting at 27,687 points, putting him in 13th place. That means he is just 909 points away from overtaking the Lakers legend.

If Harden stays healthy and plays in a similar number of games as last season, this milestone is well within reach. At his current scoring average of 22.8 points per game, he would need fewer than 40 games to surpass O’Neal. Even if his production decreases slightly or he plays fewer games due to load management or minor injuries, the odds are still heavily in his favor.

Passing Shaquille O’Neal wouldn’t just be a statistical achievement; it would be a legacy-defining moment. Joining the elite company of the top 10 scorers in NBA history is an honor reserved for only the most prolific offensive talents the game has seen.

Leadership Role in a Deep Clippers Roster

As the 2025-2026 season looms, James Harden finds himself in a unique position—not only chasing history but also playing a pivotal leadership role on a deep Clippers roster. The offseason saw the team make significant moves, bringing in experienced players like Brook Lopez, Bradley Beal, John Collins, and even veteran guard Chris Paul.

These additions are expected to relieve some of the offensive burden on Harden, allowing him to conserve energy for the playoffs. However, it also means that Harden’s efficiency, decision-making, and leadership will be more important than ever. He is no longer required to carry the team night in and night out, but his performance will still set the tone for how far the Clippers can go.

It’s also worth noting that the team’s coaching staff has placed a strong emphasis on keeping Harden fresh and healthy for the postseason. Load management strategies, reduced minutes in back-to-backs, and strategic rest days are expected to be part of the plan.

A Legacy Still Being Written

It’s easy to forget just how much James Harden has already accomplished. A former MVP, 10-time All-Star, and one of the most creative offensive players in NBA history, Harden revolutionized the point guard position with his unique blend of isolation scoring and playmaking.

Yet despite his individual accolades, questions around his playoff success and team fit have followed him throughout his career. That’s why this season is more than just about stats—it’s about rewriting the narrative.

Should Harden lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a deep playoff run—or even an NBA Finals appearance—it would silence a decade of critics and elevate his standing among the greats. Add to that the milestone of surpassing Shaq in career scoring, and it’s clear that this season could be one of the most important of Harden’s illustrious career.

What the Milestone Means for the League

The moment James Harden surpasses Shaquille O’Neal, it will be a headline moment across the sports world. Not only will it be a tribute to his durability and scoring ability, but it will also serve as a reminder of how much the game has evolved.

From Shaq’s low-post dominance to Harden’s perimeter wizardry, the contrast between their styles reflects the broader transformation of the NBA. In that way, Harden passing O’Neal isn’t just about one player eclipsing another—it’s symbolic of a shift in basketball philosophy and strategy over the past two decades.

The Road Ahead

The Clippers enter the 2025-2026 NBA season with high expectations. The roster is loaded, the window to win is open, and the team is aiming for nothing less than an NBA championship. James Harden, even at this stage of his career, remains a central piece of that puzzle.

He’s already proven that he can still score with the best of them. Now, the question is whether he can translate that individual brilliance into team success and finish his career with a championship.

If he stays healthy, continues to score efficiently, and the team remains competitive, we may look back on this upcoming season as a pivotal chapter in the story of James Harden’s legendary career.

Conclusion: A Historic Season Awaits

Whether you admire his game or critique his style, there’s no denying that James Harden is one of the most talented and productive players the NBA has ever seen. As he inches closer to passing Shaquille O’Neal on the all-time scoring list, fans across the world should pause to appreciate the historical significance of the moment.

With the Clippers aiming for a deep playoff run and Harden eyeing a place among the league’s top 10 scorers of all time, the 2025-2026 NBA season has the potential to be nothing short of historic—for both the player and the franchise.

James Harden is not just chasing records. He’s chasing greatness, redemption, and perhaps, the last crowning moment of a brilliant basketball journey.