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In a historic moment for the NBA, James Harden recently surpassed Ray Allen’s long-standing record for the most career three-pointers made. Allen’s record of 2,973 three-pointers was once considered an untouchable feat, a milestone that many thought would stand the test of time. However, Harden’s incredible shooting performance has not only broken that record but also solidified his place among the game’s all-time greats. This moment is a significant one for basketball fans, as it marks the culmination of Harden’s remarkable career and the evolution of the three-point shot in the modern NBA.
Ray Allen, known for his flawless shooting mechanics and clutch performances, was the gold standard for three-point shooting for over a decade. His record was not just a reflection of his individual brilliance but also a symbol of an era when three-point shooting was still in its infancy. It wasn’t until the rise of players like Steph Curry and teams like the Golden State Warriors that the three-point revolution truly took off, turning what was once a supplementary weapon into the focal point of modern offenses. Harden’s ability to surpass this record is a testament to the evolution of the NBA’s playing style, where shooting from beyond the arc has become a dominant force.
James Harden’s achievement also raises important questions about the future of shooting in the NBA. While his career continues to unfold, Harden joins a select group of players who have not only redefined how the game is played but have also helped shift the paradigm of what is possible on the basketball court. With other shooting greats like Steph Curry still adding to their totals, Harden’s record-breaking moment is a reminder of just how much the game has changed—and where it might be headed in the years to come.
Ray Allen’s career three-point record was once seen as unassailable. Allen, drafted in 1996, spent over a decade and a half cementing himself as one of the greatest shooters the game had ever seen. Over the years, Allen’s reputation as a clutch shooter, combined with his impeccable work ethic and consistency, made him an icon. He was particularly known for his pinpoint shooting accuracy and ability to perform in high-pressure situations, including his famous clutch three-pointer in Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals.
For most of his career, the three-point shot was considered a secondary weapon, with few players focusing on it as a primary aspect of their game. Allen’s success, along with that of other legendary shooters like Reggie Miller, helped to popularize the three-point shot in the NBA. He retired in 2014 with a total of 2,973 three-pointers made, a number that many believed would stand for years to come.
While Ray Allen’s record was formidable, it was not considered unbreakable. Enter James Harden—one of the most prolific scorers and playmakers of his generation. Harden, known for his step-back three-pointer and relentless attacking style, quickly became one of the most feared offensive players in the league. His ability to score from anywhere on the court, combined with his exceptional court vision and playmaking skills, made him a constant threat.
Harden’s journey to surpassing Ray Allen’s record was marked by a blend of patience, perseverance, and the unique evolution of his playing style. Unlike Allen, who was known for his catch-and-shoot prowess, Harden has relied on a more dynamic offensive game, frequently using the three-pointer as part of his arsenal but with more variability in how he gets those shots off.
In the game where Harden broke Allen’s record, he did so as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers. With a clutch three-pointer from the right wing, Harden pushed his career tally to 2,974 three-pointers, narrowly surpassing Allen. This feat was a defining moment in Harden’s career, one that cemented his legacy as a generational talent.
To truly appreciate Harden’s achievement, it’s essential to understand the broader evolution of three-point shooting in the NBA. When Ray Allen entered the league in the late 1990s, the three-point shot was still considered a supplementary weapon for most teams. While Allen was a standout in this department, the wider adoption of the three-pointer did not truly take off until the mid-2000s.
In the 1990s, the NBA was still heavily reliant on post-play and mid-range jumpers, with few teams emphasizing the long-range shot. Allen, along with Reggie Miller and later, players like Steve Nash, helped to change that dynamic, but it wasn’t until the Golden State Warriors’ rise to dominance that the three-point revolution truly took hold.
The Warriors, led by the incomparable Steph Curry, transformed the way the game is played. Curry’s unprecedented shooting range, combined with his quick release and off-the-dribble ability, ignited a shift in the NBA. Teams began to realize the value of the three-pointer as a primary weapon, with franchises across the league adopting the Warriors’ model of spacing the floor and prioritizing long-range shooting.
While James Harden’s feat of surpassing Ray Allen’s record is historic, the ultimate three-point record in the NBA belongs to Steph Curry. As of now, Curry holds the record for the most career three-pointers made, with an astonishing 3,782 shots from beyond the arc. This figure is nearly 800 more than Harden’s current tally, and Curry’s place atop the leaderboard is unlikely to be challenged anytime soon.
Curry’s influence on the game is unparalleled. His ability to stretch defenses and create scoring opportunities from virtually anywhere on the floor has reshaped the landscape of the NBA. Though Harden’s 2,974 three-pointers are impressive, it is unlikely that anyone will reach Curry’s total in the near future. Curry is still in the prime of his career, and there is a very real possibility that he will retire with over 4,000 three-pointers made, further solidifying his legacy as the greatest shooter of all time.
While Harden is now known for his ability to knock down three-pointers, his game is about much more than just scoring from beyond the arc. Over his career, Harden has averaged 24.7 points, 7.0 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game, making him one of the most complete offensive players in the league. He was named an NBA All-Star multiple times and won the MVP award in 2018, a season in which he averaged an incredible 30.4 points per game.
However, despite his regular-season success, Harden’s career has been marred by a lack of postseason achievements. While he has been dominant in the regular season, his inability to lead his teams to the NBA Finals is often cited as a major flaw in his legacy. This is particularly true when considering his several near-misses against the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals. The most notable of these was in 2018, when a Chris Paul injury derailed the Houston Rockets’ chances of advancing to the NBA Finals.
While Harden’s place among the greatest players of this generation is secure, his inability to break through in the playoffs has been a significant hurdle in his pursuit of championship glory.
A common debate among NBA fans is whether James Harden deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Dwyane Wade, one of the greatest shooting guards of all time. While Harden has certainly had an incredible career, many argue that Wade’s success in the postseason gives him the edge in this debate. Wade’s 2006 Finals MVP and his role in leading the Miami Heat to multiple championships solidify his place in NBA history.
Harden, by contrast, has yet to capture that elusive NBA championship, and while his scoring numbers are more impressive, many believe Wade’s all-around game and clutch performances in big moments give him the upper hand.
James Harden’s achievement of surpassing Ray Allen in career three-pointers is a testament to his greatness and a reflection of the changing dynamics of the NBA. While his future in the league remains uncertain, especially with the Clippers, one thing is clear: Harden is a future Hall of Famer and one of the best guards the league has ever seen.
This record-breaking moment, combined with the rise of the three-point revolution led by players like Steph Curry, has irrevocably changed the game of basketball. As the league continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how future players continue to push the boundaries of shooting and scoring in the years to come.
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