Kevin Durant cemented his place among basketball’s all-time greats on Tuesday night, becoming just the eighth player in NBA history to score 30,000 career points. The Phoenix Suns forward achieved the milestone with a free throw late in the third quarter of a 119-112 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Durant, a four-time scoring champion, finished the game with 34 points on 12-of-18 shooting, bringing his career total to 30,008 points. He now joins an exclusive list featuring LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Wilt Chamberlain.
Durant’s Journey to 30,000 Points
Durant’s scoring ability has made him one of the most dominant offensive players in NBA history. Over 17 seasons, he has delivered consistent performances across multiple teams:
- Oklahoma City Thunder (Seattle SuperSonics) – 17,566 points
- Golden State Warriors – 5,374 points
- Brooklyn Nets – 3,744 points
- Phoenix Suns – 3,324 points
His latest achievement comes at age 36, while averaging nearly 27 points per game this season on an impressive 52% shooting.
NBA Legends React to Durant’s Milestone
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant praised Durant’s feat postgame, recognizing the significance of the milestone.
“He’s one of the greats. Not everyone gets 30K in this league,” Morant said. “Hats off to him, and I hope he keeps going.”
Durant himself downplayed the moment, focusing on his love for the game rather than personal accolades.
“It’s just part of the business,” Durant said. “Everybody is bought and sold in this league. Anybody can be up for auction, so I understand that. It’s just about getting back on the court and trying to go out and play the game that I love.”
How High Can Durant Climb?
With 30,008 career points, Durant now has a chance to climb further up the NBA’s all-time scoring list. He is within reach of:
- Wilt Chamberlain (31,419 points)
- Dirk Nowitzki (31,560 points)
If Durant continues at his current pace and stays healthy, he could surpass Michael Jordan (32,292) and Kobe Bryant (33,643) within the next two seasons.
Despite missing the entire 2019-20 season due to an Achilles injury and being limited in other seasons, Durant has still reached this milestone as the third-fastest player to 30,000 points, tying with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at 1,101 games.
One of the Greatest Scorers of All Time
Durant’s versatile scoring ability has set him apart throughout his career. Standing at 6-foot-11 with elite ball-handling skills, he remains a matchup nightmare for defenders.
His shooting splits are among the best for high-volume scorers:
- 50.1% field goal percentage
- 38.7% three-point percentage
- 88.2% free throw percentage
He is also a two-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, 2013-14 league MVP, and an 11-time All-NBA selection.
Among players who have played at least 800 career games, Durant has the fourth-highest scoring average in NBA history, trailing only Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, and Elgin Baylor.
What’s Next for Durant and the Suns?
Durant’s historic achievement comes amid trade rumors and speculation about the Suns’ future. The NBA trade deadline passed with Phoenix making minimal moves, keeping their big three of Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal intact.
As Phoenix continues its push for a deep playoff run, Durant will look to build on his scoring legacy while chasing another championship.
At 36, he shows no signs of slowing down, and if he stays healthy, he could soon crack the NBA’s top five all-time scorers. For now, Durant’s place among the game’s legends is undeniable.
