James Harden Surges Past Shaquille O’Neal—Is the Top 5 NBA Scoring Record Next?

Well, now this is a moment that demands a nod of respect — James Harden has done what many thought would take a while longer: he’s leapfrogged Shaquille O’Neal on the NBA’s all-time scoring leaderboard. Just a smidge past the midpoint of Monday’s clash with the Charlotte Hornets, Harden drained a three-pointer that etched his name firmly in ninth place, tallying 28,598 career points. Mind you, this isn’t just about a number; it’s a testament to relentless hustle, skill, and sheer scoring prowess that’s taken Harden from his early bench-warming days in Oklahoma City to etching a legacy beside legends. Earlier this season, he’d already nudged past Carmelo Anthony and now, surpassing O’Neal — it’s a clear signal: Harden’s journey through NBA history is far from over. At 36, still putting up nearly 26 points per game, the man’s precision and offensive wizardry remain undeniable, even if the manner in which he racks up points splits opinion. But hey, numbers don’t lie — and they tell a tale of a scorer who’s made his mark with both a spark and some controversy. Curious for the full breakdown? LEARN MORE.