James Harden Surges Past Stephen Curry for 10th on NBA Playoff Scoring List

NBA · By Sarah Mitchell · May 16, 2026
James Harden Surges Past Stephen Curry for 10th on NBA Playoff Scoring List
James Harden added another milestone to his illustrious career by overtaking Stephen Curry for 10th place on the NBA's all-time postseason scoring list. The achievement came in the first quarter of Cleveland's Game 6 Eastern Conference semifinal against Detroit, when Harden drained a signature step-back three-pointer. Harden's ascent up the playoff scoring leaderboard is a testament to his sustained excellence and postseason consistency. By passing Curry, a fellow MVP and one of the most prolific playoff performers of his era, Harden cements his place among the greatest scorers in NBA history.
  • Harden now holds the 10th spot on the all-time playoff scoring list, moving just ahead of Curry.
  • The milestone basket—a step-back 3-pointer—came early in a high-stakes Game 6, reflecting Harden's ability to deliver in crucial moments.
  • Both Harden and Curry have been cornerstones of their teams' playoff runs for over a decade, regularly appearing deep into the postseason and delivering memorable performances.
The playoff scoring leaderboard is a revered measure of postseason impact, featuring legends such as LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Harden's entry into the top 10 places him in elite company and speaks to his longevity and high-level production in the NBA's most demanding stage. While Curry's shooting revolutionized the league and his playoff scoring has fueled multiple championships with Golden State, Harden's blend of scoring versatility and playmaking has powered his teams through numerous playoff battles. The updated leaderboard now reflects Harden's climb, a testament to his relentless scoring ability. Fans and analysts alike have long debated the relative impact of Harden and Curry in postseason play. With this latest achievement, Harden adds another credential to his Hall of Fame resume, further solidifying his legacy among basketball's postseason greats.

Sources

  1. [1]ESPN NBA