Kevin Durant has officially etched his name in NBA history, becoming the latest player to join the prestigious 30,000-point club. The Phoenix Suns forward achieved this remarkable feat during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday, when he sank a free throw that propelled his career total to 30,007 points.
Kevin Durant becomes eighth player to reach 30,000-point club
Despite the Suns suffering a 119-112 loss to the Grizzlies, Durant put on a stellar performance, finishing with 34 points on 12-of-18 shooting. He registered three rebounds, three assists, and five blocks. This milestone places Durant among an elite group of players, as he becomes the eighth player in NBA history to surpass the 30,000-point mark.
Durant now joins a select few, including LeBron James (41,623 points), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387), Karl Malone (36,928), Kobe Bryant (33,643), Michael Jordan (32,292), Dirk Nowitzki (31,560), and Wilt Chamberlain (31,419). It's worth noting that Julius Erving, who played in both the NBA and ABA, reached a combined 30,026 points during his career.
The road to 30,000-point club
This achievement adds to Durant’s already impressive legacy as one of the league's most consistent and efficient scorers. Since his rookie season in 2007-08, Durant has averaged 27.2 points per game. His career shooting statistics further highlight his scoring efficiency: 50.1% from the field and 38.7% from beyond the arc.
Standing at 6-11, Durant’s versatile game has revolutionized the NBA offense. His ability to score in a variety of ways—from attacking the basket to hitting outside shots—has shaped the modern era of basketball. Over the course of his 16-plus seasons, Durant has earned four scoring titles, 14 All-Star selections, 11 All-NBA honors, one MVP trophy, and two NBA championships.
A bright future ahead
At 36 years old, Durant shows no signs of slowing down. Still among the league's top scorers, he is poised to continue adding to his career total and solidify his place as one of the greatest players of all time. His exceptional skill set ensures that he will remain a key player in the NBA for years to come.