James Harden Surpasses Hakeem Olajuwon on NBA Scoring List

LOS ANGELES, California — It was a historic night for James Harden as he passed NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon on the all-time scoring list during the LA Clippers‘ game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday. The 35-year-old guard scored 18 points, had 10 assists, and grabbed eight rebounds, moving into 13th place overall.

Harden, a former MVP and eight-time All-Star, played a significant portion of his career with the Houston Rockets from 2012 to 2021. Although he never won an NBA championship in Houston, he solidified his legacy as one of the franchise’s all-time greats, trailing only Olajuwon.

Throughout his nine seasons with the Rockets, Harden consistently displayed exceptional skill, finishing in the top 10 of MVP voting each year. “Obviously I came short of a championship, but I feel like I’ve accomplished a lot for that city,” Harden said, reflecting on his time in Houston.

Passing Olajuwon, who guided the Rockets to two championships in the 1990s, was a momentous occasion for Harden, who wore the number 13 during his Houston tenure. “When I got traded to the Rockets, it was all about Hakeem Olajuwon. He brought so much not just on the court, but off the court as well. Somebody that I looked up to and kind of wanted to mold myself after,” he noted.

As Harden approaches the top 10 on the all-time scoring list, the next players for him to potentially surpass are Elvin Hayes, Moses Malone, and Carmelo Anthony—each of whom has connections to the Rockets. Harden currently averages 21.3 points and 8.6 assists per game this season, playing a pivotal role in the Clippers’ surprising success.

Following the game, social media buzzed with congratulatory messages as the Clippers celebrated Harden’s achievement. The organization shared a marked recognition on Twitter, applauding their star guard’s accomplishment.

This milestone comes more than four years after Harden’s last game as a Rocket, but his relationship with Olajuwon remains significant. “I watched him. He supported me throughout my entire career in Houston. So tonight was a little bit more special,” Harden added, highlighting the importance of mentorship in his growth as a player.