Harden Enters NBA Top 10 as Wolves Edge Clippers 109-106

Two marquee NBA games captivated fans on Friday night. James Harden moved into the NBA's top-10 scoring club as Minnesota defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 109-106 at Target Center. Later, Golden State earned a narrow win over Cleveland, highlighted by an impressive NBA debut from Pat Spencer.

Harden climbs into the top 10 in career scoring

Harden finished with 34 points, bringing his career total to 28,303 and placing him 10th on the all-time list, just behind Shaquille O'Neal by 293 points. He crossed Carmelo Anthony's milestone earlier in the night at Minneapolis.

"It's a blessing and a testament to the work I've put in," said the 36-year-old guard. "It's an honor, especially to share this moment with someone like Carmelo who has done so much for the league."

Naz Reid's late three seals Wolves win as Clippers slip

Naz Reid knocked down a go-ahead three with 13 seconds remaining to secure a fifth straight win for Minnesota. Reid finished with 19 points off the bench, and the Timberwolves solidified their standing in the Western Conference with a strong late push. The Clippers endured a tough stretch, losing a game they needed as they fight to climb the standings.

Warriors edge Cavaliers without key players; Spencer shines in debut

The Cavaliers fell 99-94 at home to Golden State. With several regulars unavailable, the Warriors gave Pat Spencer his NBA debut after years in the development league. Spencer scored 19 points and connected on a crucial three with 72 seconds left to extend Golden State's lead.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr praised Spencer, calling his debut a testament to hard work and perseverance, and noting the value of players who never quit.

The Warriors remain in the middle of the Western Conference, while the Cavaliers continue to compete in the Eastern Conference mix.

Expert view

Expert: Analysts say Harden's milestone underscores his longevity and scoring consistency across a long career, while Minnesota's late-game execution demonstrates depth and resilience.

Summary

In these two games, James Harden reached a historic scoring milestone, and the Timberwolves sealed a close win with a late three. Golden State benefited from a standout debut by Pat Spencer, illustrating the league's growing depth. These results highlight the ongoing balance of power in the NBA this season.

Key insight: Harden's ascent into the top-10 scorers list marks a major milestone that reflects a long, productive career and exceptional scoring consistency. Source: BBC Sport