James Harden has been carrying a heavy workload over the first half of the 2024-25 NBA season and has responded in a big way.

After the Lakers’ loss to the Clippers, Lakers head coach JJ Redick called James Harden "one of the smartest players.”

In Sunday’s 116-102 victory over the Lakers, Harden passed Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson (26,710 points) for 14th on the career scoring list. Harden finished the game with 21 points (9-for-16 FG), four rebounds and 12 assists. He now could pass Hakeem Olajuwon (26,946) by season’s end.

Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) tries to get around the defense of Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane) AP AP

Harden entered the game with 26,700 points, needing just 11 points to surpass Oscar Robertson's tally of 26,710 points. With his latest production, he's now at 26,721 points for 14th place on the NBA all-time scoring list.

The road from now until the All-Star break in four weeks is treacherous. The Blazers conclude their home stand with Houston (27-13) on Saturday night, followed by a Sunday game against the Chicago Bulls (18-23).

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James Harden scores 21 points to pass Dominique Wilkins on the NBA's all-time scoring list. From NBA.com News Services James Harden finished with 21 points, six rebounds and 11 assists in ...

Norman Powell scored 23 points to help the Los Angeles Clippers complete a perfect back-to-back set with a convincing 118-89 win over the host Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA on Thursday

James Harden scored 21 points to go along with 12 assists, Ivica Zubac added 21 points and 19 rebounds and the Los Angeles Clippers earned a 116-102 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night in the first game between the teams at Inglewood,

A big reason for the Rockets great start to the season has been the play of Jalen Green. The fourth-year guard is having the best overall season of his career as he and Alperen Sengun are trying to lead Houston to the playoffs for the first time in their careers.