James Harden Passes Shaq On All Time Scoring List

Merlin sees James Harden climb to ninth on the NBA all-time scoring list after passing Shaquille O'Neal’s 28,596 points during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets. The milestone highlights Harden’s long scoring run — a 17th season veteran who still averages 24.1 career points and is posting 25.6 points, 7.9 assists and 4.8 rebounds this year. Merlin notes the context: Harden’s historic scoring years, including a 36.1 ppg campaign, made this leap predictable. The Clippers sit 15-23 and need Harden’s offense to flip their season, so every point now carries team and legacy weight. Merlin watches Wilt’s 31,419 mark as a distant summit, reachable only with health and heavy usage.