Coast-to-coast: James Harden rises on scoring chart; Pacers continue to pick up steam

James Harden surged to ninth on the all-time scoring list, the Indiana Pacers notched their first three-game winning streak, and rookie Cooper Flagg etched his name into the history books to banner a loaded NBA Tuesday slate.

HARDEN OVERTAKES SHAQ, PACERS CONTINUE TO HEAT UP 

• LA Clippers (16-23) def. Brooklyn Nets (14-26), 117-109: With 32 points and 10 assists, James Harden overtook Shaquille O’Neal for ninth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list while anchoring the Clippers’ third successive victory. 

[RELATED: NBA: James Harden climbs to ninth all-time in scoring as Clippers swat Hornets]

• Indiana Pacers (9-31) def. Boston Celtics (24-15), 98-96: Pascal Siakam came clutch anew, steering the Pacers past the Celtics and fueling the Pacers’ first three-game winning streak of the season following a franchise-worst 13-game skid.

[RELATED: NBA: Pascal Siakam delivers in the clutch again as surging Pacers outlast Celtics]

• Dallas Mavericks (15-25) def. Brooklyn Nets (11-26), 113-105: Cooper Flagg poured in 27 points with five rebounds and five assists, etching his name into the record books as the Mavericks handed the Nets their fourth straight loss. 

At just 19 years old, Flagg became the youngest player in league history to post a 25-5-5 performance without committing a turnover. 

• Sacramento Kings (10-30) def. LA Lakers (23-14), 124-112: Against their former team, Malik Monk and Russell Westbrook combined for 48 points to lift the Kings past the Lakers, securing their first win in three meetings this season.

[RELATED: NBA: Malik Monk, Russell Westbrook lead Kings past ex-team Lakers to spoil Luka’s 42]

• Utah Jazz (14-25) def. Cleveland Cavaliers (22-19), 111-105: After suffering a 55-point blowout, the Jazz responded behind Keyonte George’s 32-point outburst and 28 from Lauri Markkanen to fend off the Cavaliers.

• Philadelphia 76ers (22-16) def. Toronto Raptors (24-17), 115-102: Tyrese Maxey exploded for 33 points—his 19th 30-point outing of the season—as the 76ers used an 80-point first half to overwhelm the Raptors.

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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.

Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.