Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden surpassed Hall of Fame sharpshooter Ray Allen for second place all-time. NBA career 3-pointers made on a deep ball from the wing during Sunday’s win over the Utah Jazz.
The historic shot gave Harden 2,974 career 3-pointers, and he accomplished the feat in 215 fewer games than Allen, largely thanks to a tremendous discrepancy in volume. Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry holds the all-time record with 3,782 and counting, probably unattainable by Harden.
It’s fitting that Harden’s shot past Allen was isolated, where he’s done much of his 3-point damage throughout his career.
Although it wasn’t a step-back type (the shot arguably shaped the modern game as much as any basketball move), Harden made the 3-pointer in the pick-and-roll, where he’s been so effective. like any player in league history.
Harden, who finished with 20 points, 11 assists and six rebounds, would add another triple in the third quarter for 2,975 in his career and helped the Clippers beat the Jazz 116-105.
Not exactly known as an Allen and Curry-type shooter, Harden has long played the numbers game when it comes to three-pointers, springing up early and often knowing that analytics say he’ll eventually win. He has averaged 7.5 3-point attempts per game during his career, but shot as many as 13.2 per game during his prime with the Houston Rockets.
By contrast, Allen averaged 5.7 long ball attempts in his career, with a high of 8.4. Allen made his total of three-pointers in 7,429 attempts, while Harden needed 8,187.
Harden, 35, hasn’t always been the most aesthetically pleasing player, but his accomplishments are undeniable: NBA MVP, seven-time All-NBA, 10-time All-Star, three-time scoring champion and member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. He’ll be able to add the Hall of Fame to that list soon after he decides to retire.
