James Harden: A New Milestone in Three-Point Prowess
In a striking display of skill and consistency, James Harden has ascended to the second spot on the NBA's all-time list for career three-pointers made, outshining the legendary Ray Allen. Harden's career trajectory in long-range shooting has been extraordinary, marked by his recent accomplishment of making his 2,974th three-pointer against the Utah Jazz, thereby surpassing Allen. The achievement is further highlighted by the fact that Harden reached this milestone in fewer games than his predecessor.
Harden's proficiency from beyond the arc was once again on display as he finished the game against the Jazz with an additional three-pointer, pushing his career total to 2,975. It was a memorable night for both Harden and his team, the Los Angeles Clippers, who emerged victorious with a score of 116-105.
Record Pursuit
While Harden's ascent is noteworthy, the summit of career three-pointers is still held by Stephen Curry, who boasts an astonishing 3,782 treys and continues to set new benchmarks with every game. Harden's current average of 7.5 three-point attempts per game over his career has been bolstered by eras of high volume shooting. During his time with the Houston Rockets, a peak of his career in terms of offensive output, Harden averaged an impressive 13.2 attempts per game, a testament to his relentless pursuit of scoring opportunities from the perimeter.
In contrast, Ray Allen, who held the previous second place, averaged 5.7 attempts per game throughout his career, culminating in a total of 7,429 attempts. Harden's sizable 8,187 attempts reflect both his era's evolving style of play and his role as a shooting leader for his teams.
Legacy and Impact
Beyond numbers, Harden's career is a tapestry of accolades and recognition. At 35 years old, his resume includes an NBA Most Valuable Player award, seven All-NBA team selections, and ten All-Star appearances. His skillful scoring secured him three NBA scoring titles, reinforcing his position as one of the game's most prolific offensive players. Further cementing his legacy, Harden was named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team, a nod to his contribution to the sport over the years.
The recent game against the Jazz wasn't solely about three-pointers for Harden. He delivered a well-rounded performance, scoring 20 points, dishing out 11 assists, and collecting six rebounds, exemplifying his multifaceted abilities on the court.
A Glimpse into Harden's Strategy
Harden's mastery of the three-point shot is not merely an individual achievement but part of a larger trend within the modern NBA. The league has gravitated towards a more perimeter-oriented style of play, emphasizing spacing and long-range shooting. Harden has been at the forefront of this transformation, his shot-selection strategy and efficiency from distance serving as a blueprint for aspiring players.
His willingness to adapt and excel in this evolving landscape places him as a vanguard of the current basketball era, consistently testing the limits of shooting capability. His incredible rate of making 3-pointers in comparison to the legends before him underscores how the game has shifted, with elite shooters like Harden leading the charge.
As James Harden continues to climb the ranks in the NBA's record books, fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how his legacy in the world of professional basketball will ultimately take shape. Transcending beyond mere statistics, his influence on the game will likely inspire future players to aim high and shoot long.