Kevin Durant Nears 30,000-Point Milestone in Historic NBA Career

SAN FRANCISCO – Kevin Durant, the Phoenix Suns‘ star forward, is on the verge of joining an elite group of NBA players by reaching the 30,000-point milestone. With just 94 points to go, Durant could achieve this historic feat during the Suns’ upcoming four-game road trip, which begins Friday against the Golden State Warriors.

Durant, a 15-time All-Star and four-time scoring champion, has been one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history. At 36 years old, he continues to dominate, averaging 27.1 points per game this season, matching his career average. Only seven players in NBA history have surpassed the 30,000-point mark: LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Wilt Chamberlain.

Durant’s scoring prowess has been a constant throughout his 18-year career. He won his first scoring title in his third season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging 30.1 points per game. Over the next five years, he claimed four scoring crowns and joined the prestigious 50/40/90 club, a rare achievement for players who shoot 50% from the field, 40% from three-point range, and 90% from the free-throw line.

Former teammates and opponents alike have marveled at Durant’s unique combination of size, skill, and efficiency. “He’s that guy that you see almost like a monument in a science museum of just like, what does a great scorer look like?” said a former Team USA teammate. “Seven feet, able to handle the ball, able to shoot over anybody, but also a fierce competitor.”

Durant’s journey to 30,000 points has been marked by memorable moments, including his NBA debut with the Seattle SuperSonics in 2007, his MVP season with the Thunder in 2013-14, and his back-to-back Finals MVP performances with the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018. Despite injuries and team changes, Durant has remained a consistent force, averaging at least 25 points per game in 16 of his 18 seasons.

As Durant approaches this milestone, his current teammate Devin Booker is also closing in on a significant achievement. Booker is just 91 points away from becoming the Suns’ all-time leading scorer, surpassing Walter Davis‘ record of 15,551 points. Both players could reach their respective milestones during the Suns’ road trip, with Durant potentially hitting 30,000 points in a game against his former team, the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Durant’s legacy as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history is already secure. His ability to score from anywhere on the court, combined with his efficiency and longevity, has set him apart from his peers. As he nears the 30,000-point mark, Durant continues to defy expectations and cement his place among the all-time greats.