Subscribe
Follow Us
Houston Rockets superstar James Harden continues his rise in the NBA's all-time scoring ranks. Harden recently passed the 20,000-point plateau, and he did it by draining his signature step-back three-pointer midway through the second quarter of their 139-109 home victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Harden buries the step-back 👌 to reach 20,000 career points‼️
📲💻: https://t.co/lZZApswzuX pic.twitter.com/afjBpdifgO
— NBA (@NBA) January 11, 2020
After the game, Harden didn't put much into his accomplishment, saying that he has bigger goals than the individual accolade. He did dedicate the game ball to his mother, though.
James Harden on scoring 20,000 points for his career: "I have bigger goals but it's pretty cool." He gave the basketball to his mom. "Every goal and achievement I have, she has it."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) January 12, 2020
Per Alykhan Bijani of The Athletic, Harden also became the 45th player to make the exclusive club and is also the seventh youngest player in NBA history to achieve the milestone.
Surprisingly, James Harden did not receive a standing ovation for 20,000 career points. Heavy cheers.
He is the 45th player (7th youngest) in NBA history to reach that mark. Harden also did it in the 17th fewest games played despite averaging 12.7 PPG in his first 3 seasons.
— Alykhan Bijani (@Rockets_Insider) January 11, 2020
The Beard finished his night with 32 points and six three-pointers while shooting 10-of-13 from the charity stripe. He added 12 rebounds, eight assists, and two steals to lead the Rockets to their 26th win of the season. Harden's partner-in-crime, Russell Westbrook, also had a huge outing and scored 30 points to go along with six boards and 10 dimes.
It's safe to say at this point that Harden is already one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history — and he's only 30 years old in just his 11th season. What makes this feat more amazing is that Harden only averaged 12.7 points through his first three seasons in the NBA as the lead reserve for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Prior to tonight's contest, the 2018 NBA MVP averaged 37.9 points for the Rockets while shooting 45.2 percent from the field and 37.6 percent from three. His insane scoring output this season comes after he averaged an already-absurd 36.1 points last year.
Harden is on pace to take home his third consecutive scoring title. But as he said, it seems like he is more concerned about getting that Larry O'Brien trophy instead.
