On January 31, 2025, superstar Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns made significant strides toward NBA history as he scored 19 points against the Golden State Warriors during their game at Chase Center, bringing his career total to 29,925 points. This leaves him just 75 points shy of becoming the eighth player to reach the coveted 30,000-point milestone, joining the elite company of LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Wilt Chamberlain.
With both teams eyeing playoff positioning—Suns at 24-22 and Warriors at 24-23—the game was pivotal. Durant's impact was felt throughout the match, especially as he scored three consecutive three-pointers late in the third quarter, helping the Suns secure a 98-79 lead entering the final quarter. His performance showcased not just his scoring prowess, but also the depth of talent on the Suns roster, which includes stars like Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
Steve Kerr, head coach of the Warriors, praised Durant's scoring ability before the game, stating, "Just his ability to get his shot off against any defense, any defender. Nobody's ever had this kind of skill at this size." This sentiment highlights not only Durant's unique talent but also his diligent work ethic. Kerr reflected on their time together, saying, "He’s an amazing worker and loves to hoop, that's pretty much it." Durant's consistency and determination have been evident throughout his impressive career.
Despite the Warriors’ hopes of regaining momentum after their impressive victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder earlier, they faltered against the Suns. Struggling without key players Jonathan Kuminga and Draymond Green due to injuries, the team found it challenging to keep pace with the Suns' offensive onslaught, with Curry being limited early on and only managed to contribute 14 points as the team lost 130-105.
During the game, Durant and Hall of Famer Gary Payton Sr. exchanged words, indicative of the competitive spirit between the two teams. Commentary during the game captured the moment for fans, adding to the excitement surrounding the event. Payton Sr.'s playful engagement with Durant—an iconic player who played for Golden State and helped bring home two championships—provided much entertainment, even as the Suns pulled away for the victory.
The absence of key Warriors players showed significantly, with Curry and his teammates unable to manage their usual three-point shooting efficiency. They recorded just 37.5 percent from the field, compared to the Suns’ impressive 56.2 percent. Warriors players like Moses Moody had roles to fill, leading with 17 points, but their efforts were insufficient against the well-rounded Suns squad, which saw Durant, Booker, and Beal contributing significantly to the scoring effort.
Looking forward, the Suns will need Durant to maintain his high form as they continue their pursuit of playoff positioning. Meanwhile, the Warriors must regroup quickly from this setback to stay competitive within the tightly contested Western Conference. For Durant, every game brings him closer to the historical threshold of 30,000 points, combining personal achievement with team success.
This matchup may be just one of many yet to play out this season, but it undoubtedly serves as another chapter for Durant, who is set on not just reaching, but surpassing the milestone, with many fans eager to witness history. Keep watching this exciting season span out as these teams fight for their spots in the playoffs and for key player milestones to be achieved.