### James Harden Achieves Milestone as Clippers Defeat Hornets On January 13, 2026, James Harden of the Los Angeles Clippers made history by surpassing Shaquille O'Neal to claim the ninth spot on the NBA's all-time scoring list. In a thrilling game against the Charlotte Hornets, the Clippers secured a 117-109 victory, marking their fourth win in five games. Kawhi Leonard led the scoring with 35 points, while Harden contributed 32 points, bringing his career total to 28,598 points in 1,187 regular-season games, compared to O'Neal's 28,596 points in 1,207 games over 19 seasons. The Hornets, led by LaMelo Ball with 25 points, have now lost three of their last four games [https://apnews.com/article/hornets-clippers-score-7481bc2741bf6ed7236c18eda581339c][https://sports.yahoo.com/leonard-scores-35-harden-moves-061359479.html]. ### Breakdown of the Game and Harden's Achievement 1. **Game Overview** - The Clippers faced the Hornets in a competitive matchup. - Final score: Clippers 117, Hornets 109. - This victory is part of the Clippers' recent success, winning four out of their last five games. 2. **Key Player Performances** - **Kawhi Leonard**: Scored 35 points, including 19 in the third quarter. - **James Harden**: Scored 32 points and achieved a significant milestone by passing Shaquille O'Neal on the all-time scoring list. - **Hornets' Contributions**: LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 25 points, supported by Kon Knueppel (18 points) and Moussa Diabaté (13 points, 15 rebounds). 3. **Harden's Milestone** - Harden entered the game needing 14 points to surpass O'Neal. - He achieved this milestone with a three-pointer early in the third quarter, marking a significant moment in his career. ### Supporting Data and Statistics - **Scoring Totals**: - James Harden: 32 points, 10 assists. - Kawhi Leonard: 35 points. - LaMelo Ball (Hornets): 25 points, 9 rebounds. - **Career Points**: - James Harden: 28,598 points (1,187 games). - Shaquille O'Neal: 28,596 points (1,207 games). - **Clippers' Recent Performance**: - Wins: 4 out of the last 5 games. - Overall record improvement contributing to their playoff positioning. ### Conclusion: Harden's Historic Night and Team Success In summary, **James Harden's achievement of moving into ninth place on the NBA's all-time scoring list is a significant milestone in his career**, showcasing his scoring prowess and longevity in the league. The Clippers' victory over the Hornets not only highlights their current form but also sets the stage for a promising season ahead. 1. Harden's scoring milestone adds to his legacy as one of the game's greats. 2. The Clippers continue to build momentum with key performances from their star players. 3. The Hornets face challenges as they struggle to maintain consistency in their performance [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nba/article/clippers-james-harden-passes-shaquille-oneal-for-ninth-on-all-time-scoring-list][https://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/story/2026-01-12/los-angeles-clippers-charlotte-hornets-nba-game-recap].