James Harden Just Overtook an NBA Legend — And the Scoring Record Books Are Rewriting Themselves Again

As scores rise and legends are surpassed, what does this mean for the future of the NBA's elite players?

Welcome to this edition of our newsletter, where the excitement of the NBA season continues to unfold! In a league where records are made to be broken, we find ourselves asking: how do standout performances shape the legacy of players like James Harden and the future of the NBA? Join us as we dive into the latest happenings, surprises, and shifts in the world of basketball!

🔥 Game Night Highlights

What a night it was in the NBA as teams battled it out! Quick hits for you:

• Game Results: The Oklahoma City Thunder smashed the Boston Celtics with a score of 118-112. This victory marked the Thunder's complete 2-0 season sweep of the Celtics, halting Boston's five-game winning streak. Catch all the excitement.

• Star performance alert! Shai Gilgeous-Alexander racked up a game-high 34 points in the matchup against the Celtics, showcasing his elite scoring ability and helping the Thunder secure the win.

• Milestone moment! James Harden passed Elvin Hayes to claim the 12th spot in all-time scoring during the thrilling games on March 14. This achievement was a significant moment for Harden as he continues to build his legacy in the league. Read more.

• The night also saw Nikola Jokić overtaking Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the No. 1 spot in the Kia MVP Ladder with impressive statistics of 29 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game, highlighting his remarkable performance as the playoffs approach. Details here.

Stay tuned as we follow the electrifying journey of teams and players heading into the playoffs!

📊 Playoff Picture Perfect

Hey hoop fans, the playoff race is heating up! Here's your rundown:

• Playoff Insight: The Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder have officially clinched their playoff spots while the New Orleans Pelicans have been eliminated from postseason contention after their recent loss to the Magic. The Cavaliers lead the Eastern Conference, followed closely by the Celtics, while the Thunder are leading in the West.

• Who's rising? The Oklahoma City Thunder are on a hot streak, having secured a critical victory over the Boston Celtics, completing a 2-0 season sweep. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers continue to dominate even without key players, showcasing their depth. The Lakers and Warriors are also in strong positions while the Timberwolves are gaining momentum, posing potential threats in the upcoming playoffs.

• Why this matters: Changing dynamics in rankings could mean surprise matchups. With teams like the Mavericks struggling and the Timberwolves gaining ground, fans should brace for unpredictability as we approach the playoff season. Each game will be crucial in determining favorable seeding and potential playoff pairings.

• Dive deeper: 2025 NBA Playoffs: Standings, bracket and clinching updates

🏆 MVP Race Radar

Who's top of the heap in the MVP race this season? Let's break it down:

• Leaderboard Update: Nikola Jokić leads the MVP race with astounding stats of 29 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game. His exceptional performance has propelled him to the No. 1 spot in the Kia MVP Ladder, as he continues to elevate his game with playoffs on the horizon. Get the full scoop.

• Challenges looming: Despite his dominance, Jokić's continued success could be impacted by key injuries around the league, particularly with star players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has faced challenges but remains a strong contender. Injuries can shift the dynamics and standings as the playoffs near, affecting MVP candidacy for multiple players due to missed games or decreased performance.

• Don't miss: The crucial games that'll decide the MVP vote are fast approaching! With playoff implications on the line, every game serves as a stage for contenders to solidify their legacies. Players like Donovan Mitchell and Jayson Tatum are also in the mix, ready to make their case during these vital matchups as the season comes to a close.

• For deeper insights on how the race is shaping up, check out our full coverage: Kia MVP Ladder: Nikola Jokić surpasses Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for No. 1 spot.