James Harden became the 10th highest scorer in NBA history as the LA Clippers were beaten 109-106 by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Starting the night 11th on the all-time list, Harden passed Carmelo Anthony’s total of 28,289 points in the third quarter at Target Center in Minneapolis.
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Harden finished with 34 points, taking his career total to 28,303 – 293 behind Shaquille O’Neal in ninth.
“It’s a blessing – a testament to the work I’ve put in,” said 36-year-old Harden.
“It’s an honour, especially with somebody like Carmelo, who’s done so much greatness for this league.”
Naz Reid scored a three-pointer with 13 seconds left to give the Timberwolves a fifth straight win and condemn the Clippers to a seventh defeat in eight games.
Julius Randle scored 24 points and Reid 19 off the bench for the Timberwolves, who are sixth in the Western Conference. The Clippers are second bottom.
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Warriors upset Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers suffered a 99-94 home defeat by the Golden State Warriors.
Without Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green and Al Horford, the Warriors gave Pat Spencer his NBA debut at Rocket Arena.
The 29-year-old, who came through the development league four years ago, scored 19 points and landed a three-pointer with 72 seconds remaining to open up a five-point lead.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr said: “It’s fun to watch a guy who has had to fight for everything finally get his moment and not only seize it but grab it by the neck. This guy is a competitor.”
The Warriors are eighth in the Western Conference and the Cavaliers eighth in the West.
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