NBA Sends Strong Message to James Harden on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated May 1, 2025 11:17 PM ET

The Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets were going head-to-head in Game 6 of their first round series when James Harden achieved a historic feat.

Harden and the Clippers entered the game at 2-3 in the series. Winning this will force a Game 7 at Denver.

During their Game 6 matchup against the Nuggets, the NBA announced that Harden has now moved into No. 12 on the all-time playoff steals list.

At this point in the game, Harden had 279 career steals in the playoffs, surpassing Clyde Drexler, who had 278 steals in his playoff career.

"Congrats to @JHarden13 of the @LAClippers for moving into 12th on the all-time playoff STEALS list!" posted the official social media account of the NBA.

Congrats to @JHarden13 of the @LAClippers for moving into 12th on the all-time playoff STEALS list!#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google pic.twitter.com/yh3Gz3Z1Yr
— NBA (@NBA) May 2, 2025

The following players are currently ranked ahead of Harden in the all-time playoff career steals list: Chris Paul, Manu Ginobili, Maurice Cheeks, Larry Bird, Jason Kidd, Kobe Bryant, John Stockton, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and LeBron James.

Los Angeles Lakers star James is No. 1 on the list with 493 career steals in the playoffs.

Heading into Game 6, Harden was averaging 22.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 8.7 assists per game.

If Harden is able to lead the Clippers to the second round of the NBA playoffs, they would play the Oklahoma City Thunder.

OKC defeated the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round, sweeping Ja Morant and company.

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

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