INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — James Harden joins Golden State’s Stephen Curry as the only NBA players to reach 3,000 3-pointers in a career.

Harden reached the milestone in the first half of the LA Clippers’ 126-122 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night. He made three 3-pointers in the first half and three more in the second half to lead the Clippers with 39 points.

“Another one of those accomplishments you never take for granted,” Harden said. “The amount of work I’ve put in – countless days and nights putting in the work – a lot of people don’t see it, but the results are coming, so I’m just grateful.”

Harden narrowly missed a triple-double with nine rebounds and 11 assists.

This success ended an outstanding week for the 35-year-old guard. Harden scored 43 points – his most as a Clipper – in a road win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, his 100th career game with 40 or more. He was the only player alongside Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan to achieve this.

“He had the first quarter against Washington where he reminded people, ‘Hey, I can still go out here and shoot 40 real quick against you,'” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said.

The Clippers are 13-9 without superstar Kawhi Leonard, who has yet to play this season while also dealing with ongoing inflammation in his surgically repaired right knee.

Harden has been tasked with carrying a greater offensive load in Leonard’s absence, and Paul George is leaving the club as a free agent in the offseason. He responded and at times, like against the Wizards, his efforts are reminiscent of his successful years with the Houston Rockets.

Malone noted that Harden has matured and responded to the demands placed on him as a point guard.

“He makes almost every important decision for the offense,” the coach said. “He can also beat you with his style of play and that shows you his talent, that shows you the quality of his game where he’s not just the goalscorer.”

Harden also mentors the team’s younger players, a role he describes as “very, very comfortable” for him.

“It’s easy for me because I’ve been in this situation for most of my NBA career. I help the boys as much as I can to make the game a lot easier for them,” he said. “It’s really fun.”

Norman Powell said he and the rest of the Clippers love playing with Harden because they know he will get them the ball.

“It’s hard to tell from a distance,” Powell said, “but on the field he knows when to attack, when to get his shot off, when to give guys the lead, what pass to make. He knows how to get the guys on offense and get the best out of the team.”