Kevin Durant Joins Exclusive 30,000-Point Club in NBA History

PHOENIX, Ariz. — Kevin Durant made history Tuesday night by becoming the eighth player in NBA history to score 30,000 career points. Durant achieved this milestone during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies, hitting the crucial free throw with 1:11 left in the third quarter.

The 36-year-old forward for the Phoenix Suns joins an elite group, including LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Wilt Chamberlain. Among this exclusive club, only James remains an active player, currently holding the record for the most points with over 41,000.

Before entering Tuesday’s matchup, Durant was just 26 points shy of reaching the significant bar. The two-time NBA champion has consistently demonstrated his scoring prowess throughout his career, averaging 27.2 points per game on a shooting percentage of 50.1%.

Durant was drafted second overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 2007 NBA Draft and has since established himself as one of the most efficient offensive players in league history. He is a four-time NBA scoring champion, only trailing behind legends Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain.

In the game against the Grizzlies, Durant utilized his height and skill to navigate the court, demonstrating why he is regarded as one of the game’s greatest scorers. His ability to score from almost anywhere on the court, coupled with his incredible 7-foot-5 wingspan, sets him apart from his peers. This versatility allows him to put points on the board from all three levels — inside, mid-range, and beyond the arc.

Reflecting on his career milestone, Durant said, “It’s a blessing to be in this position. I’ve enjoyed every moment and every challenge throughout the years. Reaching this point is something I’ll remember forever.”

As Durant continues his journey, he is also on track to surpass several other legends on the all-time scoring list. After hitting the 30,000 mark, he will soon aim for Wilt Chamberlain’s record of 31,419 points and Dirk Nowitzki’s 31,560 points. If he maintains his current scoring average of 27 points per game, he could potentially pass both this coming season.

The Footprint Center erupted in celebration as Suns fans commemorated this historic moment, highlighting Durant’s significance in the team’s legacy and the sport itself. As he enters the latter part of his 17th NBA season, Durant shows no signs of slowing down, further solidifying his status as a basketball icon.