David Richard-Imagn Images

NBA Announces James Harden Milestone Amid 18th Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Mar 1, 2026 6:20 PM ET

James Harden is back in the mix for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The former NBA MVP missed the last two games due to a thumb injury, but was cleared to return for Sunday’s matchup against the Brooklyn Nets.

Cleveland is happy to get Harden back. They are coming off back-to-back losses that have dropped them to 37-24. The Cavs have gone 3-3 since returning from the All-Star break, and Harden’s return to the lineup is a significant development for them.

Entering Sunday’s matchup, Harden has already played seven games for the Cavs since his midseason trade from the Los Angeles Clippers. The 11-time All-Star averaged 18.9 points on 49.4% shooting, 4.6 rebounds, 8.0 assists in 32.1 minutes per contest. Harden also knocked down 2.9 triples on a highly efficient 48.8% clip.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) stands on the court in the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Rocket Arena.David Richard-Imagn Images

Harden is now in his 17th season in the NBA. During this stretch, the former No. 3 overall pick has suited up for six different teams. The Cavs are Harden’s fourth team in the last six years.

Despite the lack of permanence, there’s no denying that Harden has already firmly established himself as an all-time great. On Sunday, the NBA took to social media to announce the 36-year-old’s latest career milestone.

“Congrats to @JHarden13 of the @cavs for moving up to 3rd on the all-time FREE THROWS MADE list!” the NBA posted on X.

Congrats to @JHarden13 of the @cavs for moving up to 3rd on the all-time FREE THROWS MADE list! pic.twitter.com/gpHudWhrju
— NBA (@NBA) March 1, 2026

Harden just passed Moses Malone for the No. 3 spot on the all-time list. At this point, only LeBron James and Karl Malone have made more free throws in their respective careers than Harden.

Harden made an immediate impact in his return. He led the Cavs to a 106-102 road win at Barclays Center. The three-time NBA scoring champion registered a team-high 22 points on 5-of-9 shooting and 8-of-12 from the charity stripe. Harden also logged nine rebounds, eight assists and four triples in 36 minutes of action.

The Cavs improved to 38-24 after Sunday’s victory. They remain fourth in the Eastern Conference.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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