Kevin Durant reached a milestone during last night’s game that is sure to have his name mentioned among hoops immortals, becoming just the eighth player in league history to score 30,000 career points. The achievement, however, came during a 119-112 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night, as the 36-year-old Phoenix Suns forward sunk a free throw late in the third quarter, pushing his total to 30,000.
Durant, a 15-time NBA All-Star, now joins an exclusive group of legends that includes LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, Wilt Chamberlain, and Julius Erving (if you count his combined NBA/ABA scoring total of 30,026 points). These names represent some of the greatest scorers in the history of the sport, each of whom played a pivotal role in shaping the game for future generations. The fact that Durant, still playing at an elite level in his 17th season, now stands among them speaks volumes about his enduring greatness.
At 36 years old, Durant continues to defy age with his remarkable consistency and shot-making prowess. Averaging 27.1 points per game while shooting an impressive 52.8%, Durant’s scoring ability remains one of the most dangerous in the NBA. Over the course of his career, he has accumulated points with three different teams: the Oklahoma City Thunder (17,566), the Golden State Warriors (5,374), and the Brooklyn Nets (3,744), before adding his current tally with the Suns (3,324). His versatility, ability to adapt to different systems, and consistently dominant performances have solidified him as one of the best players in the league.
Durant’s skillset as a shotmaker is legendary, a sentiment echoed by Suns coach Mike Budenholzer, who lauded Durant’s ability to rise and shoot over defenders with ease. Memphis Grizzlies’ star Ja Morant also praised Durant’s career milestone, acknowledging that not many players in the NBA reach the 30,000-point threshold.
While the recent trade deadline rumors had speculated about Durant’s future with the Suns, the future Hall of Famer remains focused on his game. Durant took the news in stride, understanding that the business side of the NBA often creates waves, but maintaining his focus on playing basketball at the highest level. As the Suns push for playoff contention with their star-studded trio of Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, Durant’s landmark achievement is yet another reminder of his unwavering dedication and exceptional career.
For Durant, joining the 30,000-point club is a surreal honor, made even more special by the respect he holds for fellow legends like Dirk Nowitzki and Hakeem Olajuwon, both of whom lauded his achievement. Durant expressed his gratitude for their influence, recalling how much he’s drawn from their games throughout his career. “I stole so much from Dirk and Hakeem that it’s criminal,” Durant humbly admitted.
This achievement marks a significant moment in Durant’s illustrious career, one that will be remembered in the history books for years to come. As he continues to contribute to the game in his 17th season, his place among the NBA’s greatest scorers is now firmly cemented—rightfully earning his spot in the conversation with the all-time legends who have helped shape the game of basketball.
Perspective: On the heals of this exciting news, we note the number of years each player played to achieve their respective milestones.
- LeBron James: 22 years (2003–present), 41,623 points (and counting)
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 20 years (1969–1989), 38,387 points
- Karl Malone: 19 years (1985–2004), 36,928 points
- Kobe Bryant: 20 years (1996–2016), 33,643 points
- Michael Jordan: 15 years (1984–2003), 32,292 points
- Dirk Nowitzki: 21 years (1998–2019), 31,560 points
- Wilt Chamberlain: 14 years (1959–1973), 31,419 points
- *Julius Erving: 16 years ABA (1971–1976) and NBA (1976–1987), 30,026 points.
- Kevin Durant: 17 years (2007–present), 30000 points (and counting)
- Shaquille O’Neal: 19 years (1992–2011), 28,596 points
- Carmelo Anthony: 20 years (2003–2023), 28,289 points