James Harden is likely one game away from making NBA history

The story of James Harden is a fascinating one. A young guard who earned a reputation as one of the feistiest bench scorers in the league was traded to a new team, where he became the number one offensive option and subsequently built himself into not just a perennial MVP candidate in the 2010s, but also one of the best scorers of all-time.

Harden has reached heights in his 16-year career that no one from the outside would have ever dreamed when he was drafted. He is easily one of the most influential players of this century, and his step-back three-pointer changed the way teams play on both offense and defense. The only thing still missing from his resume is a championship.

As James moves into the twilight of his career, he is still playing excellent basketball for the LA Clippers. Operating as the team's second offensive option behind the breakout talent of Norman Powell, Harden is averaging 20.7 points and 8.8 assists. His career numbers are still stacking up, and he will have the chance to make NBA history when the Clippers return to action on Sunday against the Utah Jazz.

James Harden is one three-pointer away from second all-time

Coming into Friday night's game on the road against the Houston Rockets, Harden was just four three-pointers away from passing the legendary Ray Allen and earning the title of second-most threes made of all-time. He finished the game with three made threes, tying him with Ray and putting him just a single outside make away from being right behind the greatest shooter ever in Stephen Curry.

As of this writing, James is averaging 2.5 made three-point shots per game. By all means, we should expect him to knock down at least one on Sunday and officially cement his name in the record books as the second-greatest three-point shooter of all-time.

Assuming this happens in the Clippers' game with the Jazz, what an honor it will be for Harden to be honored as one of the two best in history in this category. The momentous occasion taking place at Intuit Dome in front of Clipper nation will be the icing on top.

People can say whatever they want about James, but his longevity and steady ability as a long-range sniper for 16 years speaks for itself. He still has his flaws as does every player, but this is undeniably a massive accomplishment worth tipping your hat to Harden.