Kevin Durant made history on February 12, 2024, becoming the eighth player in NBA history to score 30,000 career points. The Phoenix Suns forward reached this remarkable milestone with two free throws late in the third quarter during the Suns' 119-112 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
At 36 years old, Durant's achievement solidifies his status among the greats of basketball. He joins an exclusive group of legends including LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Wilt Chamberlain. The four-time scoring champion finished the game with 34 points, bringing his career total to 30,008 points and counting.
On reaching the milestone, Durant expressed his gratitude: "It's a true honor to be in the same category as those players who helped shape the game and pushed the game forward. That's always been my goal is to get the most out of myself every day, get the most out of my career. To be mentioned with those guys, I must be doing something right." His words resonate deeply within the NBA community, emphasizing both the weight of the achievement and his dedication to the sport.
Durant’s scoring average remains impressive, as he has consistently put up at least 20 points per game throughout his career. This season, he averages approximately 27.1 points per game, illustrating his enduring talent and productivity. Notably, he accomplished this latest feat in his 1,101st NBA game, tying him for the third-fastest player to reach the 30,000-point mark, alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Wilt Chamberlain holds the record for getting there the fastest, doing so in just 941 games.
After the game, head coach Mike Budenholzer praised Durant's incredible shot-making abilities, stating, "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. The way he can rise up and shoot over people, his height, his ball-handling... If he’s not the most incredible shotmaker, then I’m not sure who is." Such comments reflect what many within the league think of Durant’s unique skills.
Looking at his career, it's remarkable to note where Durant amassed his points. He scored 17,566 points during his first nine seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder, played for the Golden State Warriors where he added 5,374 points, and provided 3,744 points during his time with the Brooklyn Nets. Now with the Suns, he has racked up 3,324 points so far. His versatility as a scorer is highlighted by his ability to make shots from any part of the court—a talent few can match.
Ja Morant, the Grizzlies star who led his team with 26 points, remarked on Durant's achievement after the game, saying, "He’s one of the greats. That’s why I honored him with the ball." This gesture shows the respect Durant commands among his peers and how his milestone resonates across the league. Morant added, "He said he [didn't] care too much about it, but hey, not everyone gets 30k in this league. Hats off to him, and I hope he keeps going. We want to see him out here."
Durant's career has not come without challenges, including significant injuries. His recovery from an Achilles rupture sidelined him for the entire 2019-20 season, and he has struggled with other ailments since. Despite these setbacks, his scoring output remains formidable, showcasing his relentless work ethic and commitment to the game.
This latest milestone not only marks Durant's place among basketball royalty but also reignites discussions about how high he might climb on the all-time scoring list. With players like LeBron James (leading with 41,623 points) and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387 points) above him, observers wonder how long Durant can continue to perform at such high levels.
At 6-foot-11, Durant possesses the agility of guards and the shooting ability comparable to the best shooters of all time. His scoring achievements are complemented by other accolades, including NBA Finals MVP awards and Olympic gold medals, reinforcing his legacy as one of the game's greats.
Kevin Durant's 30,000 points represent more than just numbers; they symbolize decades of dedication, extraordinary skill, and the pursuit of excellence within the sport. His story continues to inspire future generations of basketball players, proving once again why he is regarded as one of the most lethal scorers the game has ever seen.