Kevin Durant has reached a monumental milestone in his illustrious NBA career, becoming just the eighth player in NBA history to surpass 29,000 career points. Durant achieved this feat on Saturday night, leading the Phoenix Suns to a 114-102 win over the Dallas Mavericks with a personal contribution of 31 points, raising his career total to 29,010.
Durant’s Scoring Prowess Remains Unmatched
At 36 years old, Durant continues to be one of the league’s premier scorers, maintaining a career scoring average of 27.3 points over 1,064 games across 17 seasons. His journey has taken him from the Seattle Supersonics to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, and now the Suns. Known for his scoring consistency, Durant has averaged over 20 points every season since his rookie year. This season, he has hit the ground running, averaging close to 29 points per game over the first three games.
Durant’s Reflection on His Journey
Reflecting on his achievement, Durant stated, “I’ve got to give credit to the people who have helped me since I was a kid. Teammates who passed me the ball, set screens for me, coaches who drew up plays for me.” His humility underscores the teamwork that has contributed to his success.
Joining the Ranks of NBA Legends
Durant joins an exclusive list of scorers, trailing only legends such as LeBron James, who leads with 40,543 points, along with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Wilt Chamberlain. Durant also ranks 10th on the combined NBA and ABA scoring list, inching closer to Julius Erving and Moses Malone.
Praise from Suns Head Coach Mike Budenholzer
Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer praised Durant’s extraordinary career, saying, “What a tribute to a great, generational talent. I feel incredibly lucky to be around him every day.” This acknowledgment highlights the impact Durant has on his teammates and the game as a whole.
Durant’s Legacy Continues to Grow
Durant’s achievement not only reinforces his legacy but also highlights his continued impact as the Suns aim for a strong season. With this milestone, he sets the stage for further accomplishments and an exciting journey ahead.
