INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — James Harden has joined Golden State’s Stephen Curry as the one NBA gamers to achieve 3,000 profession 3-pointers.
Harden hit the milestone within the first half of the Los Angeles Clippers’ 126-122 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday evening. He hit three 3s within the first half and three extra within the second half whereas main the Clippers with 39 factors.
“One other a kind of accomplishments that you just by no means take as a right,” Harden mentioned. “The quantity of labor that I’ve put in — numerous days and nights the place I put the work in — lots of people don’t see it however the outcomes occur, so I’m simply grateful.”
Harden simply missed a triple-double, with 9 rebounds and 11 assists.
The achievement completed off a standout week for the 35-year-old guard. Harden scored 43 factors — his most as a Clipper — in a street win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, his a centesimal profession sport of 40 or extra. He joined Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan as the one gamers to take action.
“He had that first quarter towards Washington the place he reminded individuals, ‘Hey, I can nonetheless exit right here and drop 40 on you actual fast,’” Nuggets coach Michael Malone mentioned.
The Clippers are 13-9 with out famous person Kawhi Leonard, who has but to play this season whereas managing ongoing irritation in his surgically repaired proper knee.
Harden has been tasked with carrying a higher offensive load in Leonard’s absence in addition to Paul George leaving as a free agent within the offseason. He has responded and at instances, like towards the Wizards, his efforts have recalled his prolific scoring years with the Houston Rockets.
Malone famous that Harden has matured and responded to what’s been requested of him as a degree guard.
“He makes nearly each key resolution for his or her offense,” the coach mentioned. ”He can beat you together with his playmaking as nicely, and that reveals you the expertise, that reveals you the standard of his sport, the place he’s not solely the scorer.”
Harden can be mentoring the workforce’s youthful gamers, a job he describes as “very, very comfy” for him.
“It’s straightforward for me simply because I’ve been on this scenario for lots of my NBA profession. Simply serving to guys as a lot as I can to the place it makes the sport rather a lot simpler for them,” he mentioned. “It’s actually enjoyable.”
Norman Powell mentioned he and the opposite Clippers like to play with Harden as a result of they know he’ll get them the ball.
“It’s troublesome to see from afar,” Powell mentioned, “however on the ground understanding when to assault, understanding when to get his shot off, when to get the fellows open, the go that he makes. He is aware of tips on how to get guys open and to get probably the most out of the workforce.”
