‘It’s an honour’ – Harden into NBA top 10 scorers

James Harden became the 10th highest scorer in NBA history as the LA Clippers were beaten 109-106 by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Starting the night 11th on the all-time list, Harden passed Carmelo Anthony’s total of 28,289 points in the third quarter at Target Center in Minneapolis.

Harden finished with 34 points, taking his career total to 28,303 – 293 behind Shaquille O’Neal in ninth.

“It’s a blessing – a testament to the work I’ve put in,” said 36-year-old Harden.

Naz Reid scored a three-pointer with 13 seconds left to give the Timberwolves a fifth straight win and condemn the Clippers to a seventh defeat in eight games.

The Cleveland Cavaliers suffered a 99-94 home defeat by the Golden State Warriors.

Without Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green and Al Horford, the Warriors gave Pat Spencer his NBA debut at Rocket Arena.

The 29-year-old, who came through the development league four years ago, scored 19 points and landed a three-pointer with 72 seconds remaining to open up a five-point lead.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr said: “It’s fun to watch a guy who has had to fight for everything finally get his moment and not only seize it but grab it by the neck. This guy is a competitor.”