NBA/ Kevin durant joins elite 30,000-point club in NBA history

Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant etched his name into basketball immortality, becoming the eighth player in NBA history to surpass 30,000 career points. The 36-year-old achieved the milestone during a 119-112 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, sinking a free throw en route to a 34-point performance.

Durant, a 15-time All-Star and four-time scoring champion, reached the landmark in his 1,101st game, tying Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the third-fastest to do so. Only legends Wilt Chamberlain (941 games) and Michael Jordan (960 games) achieved the feat quicker.

Suns coach Mike Budenholzer praised Durant’s unparalleled scoring ability, calling him “the most incredible shotmaker” he’s ever seen.

Durant, who has averaged at least 20 points per game in all 17 NBA seasons, now sits among the game’s greatest scorers, including LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan.

Reflecting on the achievement, Durant expressed humility, stating, “It’s a true honour to be in the same category as those players who helped shape the game.”

Memphis star Ja Morant, who led the Grizzlies with 26 points, presented Durant with the game ball, calling him “one of the greats” and urging him to continue his legendary career.

In other NBA action, Karl-Anthony Towns’ 40 points powered the New York Knicks past the Indiana Pacers 128-115, while Scottie Barnes’ 33-point, 10-rebound effort lifted the Toronto Raptors over the Philadelphia 76ers 106-103.

The Detroit Pistons dominated the Chicago Bulls 132-92, with Malik Beasley sinking seven three-pointers off the bench.