James Harden

As the pressure of December 1, 2024’s game approached its boiling point against the Denver Nuggets, James Harden — having already turned back the clock — perhaps reasoned that there remained only one thing left to do: “stir the pot.” Healthy, and well-equipped to command a heavier offensive load, the L.A. Clippers’ superstar reaffirmed his status as one of the Association’s elites, even in Year 16, and reaped the fruits of his past at once. In between skinning his way through the lane with Eurosteps and snatchback dribbles that sent defenders on one-way flights back to Denver, Harden’s vintage reel also encouraged history. Six accurate trifectas opened the door for Harden to become just league history’s second-ever player to surpass the 3,000 3-pointer plateau, merely another bullet point to an already Springfield-bound résumé. Introducing the Denver Nuggets’ defense to both moves and celebrations from his H-Town days, Harden, playing the second half’s entirety, starred through a 39-point, nine-rebound, 11-assist, one-steal masterpiece in 38 minutes of action, coordinating victory in the process.