James Harden etched his name deeper into NBA history on Sunday night, climbing into the top 10 on the league’s all-time scoring list. But what should have been a celebratory milestone ended in heartbreak, as the Los Angeles Clippers blew a commanding lead and fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves 109–106, extending their brutal skid.
Harden’s Historic Rise to the Top 10
Needing 20 points to eclipse Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony (28,289 career points), Harden came out firing, pouring in 19 first-half points and helping the Clippers build a dominant 18-point advantage.
The defining moment arrived in the third quarter when Harden calmly sank a pair of free throws to officially secure his place at No. 10 all-time. The crowd recognized the history, and Harden finished the night with a game-high 34 points—a performance worthy of the record books.
“A blessing … a testament to the work I’ve put in,” Harden reflected afterward. “It’s an honor, especially with somebody like Melo, who’s done so much greatness for this league.”
Now in an exclusive echelon alongside LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and with Shaquille O’Neal next in reach at No. 9, Harden’s legacy continues to grow—even as his team struggles.
Despite being one of the most decorated players in NBA history—an MVP, 10-time All-Star, and three-time scoring champion—the NBA championship remains the one major accomplishment missing from Harden’s resume. He reached the NBA Finals once early in his career in 2012 with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but they fell to the Miami Heat. Harden continues to chase that elusive title with his current team, the Los Angeles Clippers.
Collapse Turns Celebration Into Frustration
But a night that began with applause ended in anguish. The Clippers’ offense stalled, and their once-comfortable lead dissolved under a relentless Minnesota surge. Jaden McDaniels powered the comeback with 27 points, and Julius Randle added 24 as the Timberwolves methodically erased the gap.
The defining blow came in the final moments: Naz Reid drilled a clutch three-pointer to give Minnesota the lead, leaving Harden with one last chance. His contested buzzer-beater from deep hit the rim and bounced away—sealing yet another painful defeat.
The loss marks the Clippers’ seventh setback in eight games, turning Harden’s milestone night into a sobering snapshot of a team spiraling.
A Night of Two Realities
The arena celebrated history. Harden added another jewel to his already decorated legacy.
But the final score told another story—a team with elite talent still searching for answers, cohesion, and late-game execution.
For Harden, the climb continues—both up the all-time scoring list and toward the championship he has long sought.
For the Clippers, the fall is getting harder to ignore.
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