Going into the matchup between the LA Clippers and the Utah Jazz, James Harden needed to make just 2 more three-pointers to achieve an important milestone. Within the 1 quarter itself, the veteran player hit one successful far-away shot. After hitting another one, Harden accumulated a total of 2974 career three-pointers. With this, he surpassed Ray Allen to become the player with the second most successful three-pointers made under his name. The only player to surpass now is Stephen Curry, who holds the top spot by a wide, wide margin. As a result, the Clippers star may not be overtly confident about whether his next goal should be to dethrone the three-point king.

In the aftermath of the Clippers-Jazz matchup, James Harden participated in the post-game presser. Being the man of the hour, there was no doubt that the focus was going to be on him and his achievement. In moments like these, one question is expected to be asked every time: ‘What next?’ When asked if the player now looks to surpass Stephen Curry’s 3779 (and increasing) career three-pointers, he replied “I’m one of the most confident guys that we have in this league. But no. I probably won’t catch Steph. I don’t think anybody could, honestly.”

Having started in 2009 too, Harden recognizes that a gap exists between his and Chef Curry’s three-pointers. He realizes that there is a reason behind it.

“He can shoot the s**t outta the ball” Harden added. “And, granted, like a lot of these guys are on a list for catch and shoot players, right? So, they came all pinned down. They respond to spot shots, and whatnot. Like, the games have evolved like, guys like Steph is coming up in town.”

To beat Stephen Curry’s record, James Harden would have to build on his existing stats and make 805 more three-pointers. However, this will be only to beat the Warriors star’s current threshold. It is important to remember that Curry is very much active, and continues setting the bar higher. According to Statmuse, during the ongoing NBA season, the player averages 3.9 three-pointers per game. Meanwhile, James Harden is averaging 2.5 three-pointers per game. If the Clippers star wants even a remote chance of surpassing Curry, he will have to increase his per game stat. However, in the 15 years that both Harden and Curry have been a part of the NBA, there hasn’t been a single season when ‘The Beard’s three-pointers per game average stat was higher than Chef Curry’s. Therefore, the current season may not be any different.

Having started off in the same year, it would have been no surprise to know that James Harden and Stephen Curry did share an on-court rivalry during their early days. For 9 years, the 2018 MVP was associated with the Houston Rockets, which always had heated matchups with the Warriors. Today, when James Harden looks back at that period, he remembers it with fondness.

“It happened fast”: James Harden Sends Stephen Curry Praise When Describing Going Up Against A Real Dynasty

Back in late October, James Harden and co secured a 112-104 win against the Golden State Warriors. Stephen Curry wasn’t able to give his all during the game, as he exited with an ankle injury after reportedly playing just under 27 minutes. Prior to the exit, however, the level at which he and Harden competed may have sent many fans experiencing nostalgia. Remembering those days when Harden’s Rockets competed against the Warriors in several important games, including Western Conference playoffs. The now LA Clippers star revealed cherishing those competitions. Simultaneously, he praised Curry for being a tough competitor.

“It happened fast,” said Harden. “Just the prime of that Rockets situation going up against that dynasty was just like real… I had to really go up against a real dynasty. It’s special. I’m overly excited and proud of what he’s accomplished in his career. It’s one of those things and stories we can talk about when we get older and retire.”

Stephen Curry has established a record that will remain untouched for years to come. At the same time, however, James Harden himself has now established a threshold that will occupy the 2 rank for possibly decades to come. When the two players retire and leave the game, people will remember their legacies through the record that they worked so hard to establish.