Clippers’ James Harden Moves into Second on NBA All-Time 3-Pointers List, Behind Only Stephen Curry

Harden achieved the feat in 215 fewer games than Allen, but with more than 700 additional attempts

James Harden, guard for the Los Angeles Clippers, surpassed Hall of Fame sharpshooter Ray Allen for second place on the NBA‘s all-time list for career 3-pointers made with a deep shot from the wing in Sunday’s win over the Utah Jazz.

The historic basket pushed Harden’s career total to 2,974 3-pointers, a feat he achieved in 215 fewer games than Allen, thanks in large part to a significant difference in shooting volume. Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors holds the all-time record with 3,782 3-pointers and counting, a mark likely out of Harden’s reach.

It’s fitting that Harden’s record-breaking shot came in isolation, a playstyle in which he’s made much of his 3-point damage throughout his career.

Although it wasn’t a step-back — the move often credited with shaping the modern game — Harden hit the 3-pointer out of the pick-and-roll, where he has been as effective as any player in NBA history.

James Harden, who finished with 20 points, 11 assists, and 6 rebounds, knocked down another 3-pointer in the third quarter to give him 2,975 career 3-pointers, helping the Los Angeles Clippers secure a 116-105 win over the Utah Jazz.

While not known for his shooting accuracy like NBA legends Ray Allen and Stephen Curry, Harden has long relied on volume shooting to accumulate his 3-point total. Averaging 7.5 3-point attempts per game over his career — with a peak of 13.2 attempts per game during his prime with the Houston Rockets — Harden has embraced analytics, knowing that shooting more will eventually pay off.

In comparison, Allen averaged 5.7 3-point attempts per game throughout his career, with a peak of 8.4 attempts per game. Allen made his 3-pointers on 7,429 attempts, while Harden has needed 8,187 attempts to reach nearly the same mark.