James Harden called it a “true honour” to move above Shaquille O’Neal into ninth on the NBA all-time scoring list.

Harden, who scored 32 in the Los Angeles Clippers’ 117-109 win over the Charlotte Hornets, surpassed O’Neal’s total of 28,596 points with a three-pointer in the third quarter.

The Clippers’ guard, who also got to the total in 20 fewer games than O’Neal, is averaging his best points per game (25.6) since the 2019-20 season (34.3%).

There is now a sizable gap between Harden and Wilt Chamberlain (31,419 points), who was recently overtaken by Kevin Durant, in eighth on the list, but the 36-year-old was delighted with his achievement.

“Shaquille O'Neal, somebody that I literally grew up watching here in L.A.,” said Harden.

“Him and Kobe [Bryant] doing their thing, winning multiple championships, the most dominant big man in the history of the game. It's a true honour; it's a testament to the work that I put in.”

"Two of the most skilled talents that this league has ever seen" - James Harden on him & Kawhi combining for 67 points  pic.twitter.com/ZfhUixKLnI

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) January 13, 2026

Along with Harden’s 32 points, 10 assists, five rebounds and four steals, Kawhi Leonard also scored 35 for the Clippers against the Hornets.

It is the third time both Harden and Leonard have scored 30+ in the same game, with the Clippers winning on all three occasions.

“It’s exciting. Two of the most skilled talents that this league has ever seen,” said Harden on partnership with Leonard.

“To come off a long road trip, these games are always tough. We wanted to come out here and set the tempo.

“Charlotte have extremely played well over the last few games; it wasn’t easy for us, but I’m happy we won.”