James Harden

Somewhat late in their arrival to the NBA’s leaguewide 3-point party, the Chicago Bulls — No. 26 in long-range attempts last season — have jumped to No. 2 in 2024-25. Unfortunately for them, February 26, 2025’s interconference clash welcomed a player who found no problem giving them a taste of their own medicine. Bordering on something beyond sizzling during a 27-point second half, James Harden studies the Bulls’ defense from centercourt, brainstorming through potential ways to close the game’s curtain. Ultimately setting on an ‘ol reliable, the former Most Valuable Player revs his engine, racing downhill before rhythmically drifting into a dagger stepback 3-pointer, putting the L.A. Clippers ahead by six in the final 15 seconds. Aging like fine wine, and officially back on All-Star track, Harden kept Los Angeles rolling, tallying a 30-point (on 9-of-20 shooting) effort, accompanied by six assists, one steal, one block, and seven 3-pointers, as the Clippers moved to six games above .500.