Los Angeles Clippers star James Harden became the 24th player in NBA history to eclipse the 25,000-point scoring mark in Thursday night’s 121–113 win over the visiting Warriors.
Harden, 34, entered the contest needing 20 points to surpass the milestone, and he flew by the total, scoring a season-high 28 points, while adding 15 assists and seven rebounds in the victory.
With Paul George missing from the contest for the first time this season due to injury, Harden raised his level of play, and logged 42 minutes in the win.
“That’s what James does,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue told reporters after the game. “PG was out tonight, so he raised his level of play. … It was a huge game for him.”
The Clippers improved to 14–10 on the season, while the Warriors dropped to 10–14.
Only two active players can boast more career points than Harden: LeBron James (No. 1 all-time with 39,234) and Kevin Durant (No. 10 with 27,508).
Next up on the career list ahead of Harden is Lakers great Jerry West (No. 23 with 25,192).
Jessica Alcheh / USA TODAY Sports
Thursday’s game was Golden State’s first since star forward Draymond Green was suspended indefinitely by the NBA on Wednesday following an in-game punch of Suns center Jusuf Nurkić in Tuesday’s loss to the Suns.
Harden and the Clippers are back in action on Saturday at home against the Knicks (13–10), while the Warriors are scheduled to face the Nets (13–11) on Saturday night in San Francisco.
