In a high-stakes matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, James Harden cemented his place in history by surpassing Ray Allen to claim the second spot on the NBA’s all-time three-point leaderboard.
The milestone came as Harden and the Clippers handed the Warriors their second loss of the season at the Intuit Dome. While the Warriors fell 102-99 in a tightly contested battle, the moment prompted Warriors superstar Stephen Curry to reflect on their shared history and Harden’s remarkable achievement.
Curry, who led the Warriors with 26 points despite facing suffocating defense, took a moment after the game to acknowledge the significance of Harden’s accomplishment. “It’s special for sure… He’s had an unbelievable run,” Curry said. “We’ve had a lot of battles. The fact that he’s now second on the list, ahead of two greats we both respect, it’s pretty special.”
The battles Curry referenced date back to their respective starts in the 2009 draft class, where Harden was the third overall pick and Curry went seventh. Over the years, the two have not only competed for supremacy on the court but have redefined the art of long-range shooting in the NBA.
“We’ll see how far we both can push it,” Curry added. “I know we’ve got a lot left in the tank. It’s pretty incredible to think about how far we’ve come, especially from the same draft class. It’s a testament to the work and love for the game.”
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Harden’s milestone three-pointer came in the first quarter, officially moving him past Ray Allen’s career mark of 2,973 triples. Harden now sits at 2,975, trailing only Curry, who continues to extend his own record with 3,782 made three-pointers. The achievement not only solidifies Harden’s place among the game’s elite shooters but also underscores the profound impact both he and Curry have had on the modern game.
For Harden, the night was about more than numbers. Speaking after the game, the Clippers guard reflected on 15 years of competing against Curry and the Warriors, particularly during the height of Golden State’s dynasty. “They had a dynasty over there, one of the greatest basketball has ever seen,” Harden said. “For me, it was about trying to get past them during that three or four-year stretch. It was damn near frustrating because I felt like I was doing a lot.”
Despite the rivalry, Harden expressed admiration for what he and Curry have accomplished. “This has nothing to do with Curry individually. Just to see the greatness that’s evolved and transpired throughout our careers—it’s something I hope true basketball fans can appreciate,” he said.
Curry, for his part, shared in the mutual respect. The ongoing competition between the two has not only produced iconic moments but has also helped shape an era where three-point shooting has become central to NBA strategy.
Harden’s climb to second all-time places him in a rarefied air, alongside legends like Allen, Reggie Miller, and Damian Lillard. The updated leaderboard now reads:
- Stephen Curry – 3,782
- James Harden – 2,975
- Ray Allen (Retired) – 2,973
- Damian Lillard – 2,639
- Reggie Miller (Retired) – 2,560
For the Warriors, Sunday’s loss was a frustrating reminder of the challenges they’ve faced against the Clippers this season. Yet, even in defeat, the night was a celebration of individual brilliance and shared history.
As Curry and Harden continue to etch their names deeper into the record books, fans are witnessing a rivalry built not on animosity but mutual respect and a shared desire to push the game to new heights. The story of these two sharpshooters remains one of the defining narratives of this NBA era, and with both players still active, the records they chase may only grow more legendary.
