The Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant has made history by becoming the eighth player in NBA history to reach the impressive milestone of 30,000 career points. This achievement speaks volumes about his incredible talent and scoring ability, accumulated over an extensive and distinguished career in the league.
On a night when the Suns faced off against the Memphis Grizzlies, Durant reached this significant milestone with a free throw that contributed to his total of 34 points for the game. Despite his outstanding performance, the Suns ultimately fell short, losing the game 119-112. This game marked a special occasion in Durant’s career, as he achieved the milestone during the 1,101st game of his journey—placing him third in terms of speed to the milestone alongside the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
The elusive ranks of players who have reached the 30,000-point mark is an exclusive club, with only Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan achieving this in fewer games—941 and 960 games, respectively. Durant’s ability to score consistently at such a high level remains unmatched, evidenced by his status as a 15-time All-Star throughout his career.
Suns’ head coach Mike Budenholzer lauded Durant’s extraordinary talent, remarking, “He’s probably the most incredible shotmaker I’ve ever been around and I’ve gone against him a lot of nights, too, so it’s good to be on his side.” Budenholzer emphasized Durant’s unique skill set, highlighting his height and ball-handling capabilities that allow him to rise and shoot over defenders with ease. The admiration for Durant is clear among his peers and coaches alike, showcasing his impact on the game.
Durant’s accomplishments extend beyond mere statistics; he has captured two NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors and has displayed remarkable consistency by averaging at least 20 points per game throughout his 17-season career. His all-time scoring average of 27.2 points per game ranks him fourth among players who have appeared in 500 or more NBA games, trailing only Jordan, Chamberlain, and Elgin Baylor.
In reflecting on his remarkable achievement, Durant expressed his gratitude, stating, “It’s a true honor to be in the same category as those players who helped shape the game, pushed the game forward.” His humility and commitment to continuous improvement are evident, as he noted that being recognized alongside the all-time greats means he is on the right path in his career.
Additionally, Durant’s contributions to basketball extend beyond the NBA, as he has also earned four Olympic gold medals representing Team USA. After the game, Memphis star Ja Morant honored Durant by presenting him with the game ball, acknowledging the monumental achievement. Morant, who led the Grizzlies with 26 points and six assists, praised Durant, stating, “He’s one of the greats. That’s why I honored him with the ball.”
Meanwhile, in other notable games in the league, Karl-Anthony Towns put on a show for the New York Knicks, scoring an impressive 40 points as they secured a 128-115 victory over their rivals, the Indiana Pacers. This win allowed the Knicks to maintain their third position in the Eastern Conference standings, just ahead of the Pacers.
In addition, Toronto Raptors’ Scottie Barnes showcased his skills with 33 points and 10 rebounds in a hard-fought 106-103 win against the Philadelphia 76ers, handing them a fourth consecutive loss. Furthermore, Malik Beasley of the Detroit Pistons made headlines by hitting seven three-pointers off the bench during a commanding 132-92 victory over the Chicago Bulls.
These performances underline the ongoing excitement of the NBA season and the remarkable talent within its ranks, while Durant’s historic milestone continues to resonate throughout the league.
Top scorers in NBA history
- LeBron James – 41,623
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 38,387
- Karl Malone – 36,928
- Kobe Bryant – 33,643
- Michael Jordan – 32,292
- Dirk Nowitzki – 31,560
- Wilt Chamberlain – 31,419
- Kevin Durant – 30,008
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