Continuing his ascent in NBA history, Kevin Durant has overtaken the legendary Shaquille O’Neal for the eighth position on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. Durant scored 22 points for the Phoenix Suns in their 115-102 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, bringing his career points tally to 28,610.
The venerable 35-year-old forward, commemorating his 17th season, has shown incredible consistency by scoring on average nearly 28 points per game this season; this performance slightly surpasses his lifetime average points per game.
“Being mentioned among the greatest ever is something I’m truly thankful for. What Shaq contributed to basketball is well known, thus being ranked alongside him feels like a significant personal accolade,” Durant remarked.
However, achieving the next spot, currently held by Wilt Chamberlain with 31,419 points, might take Durant approximately one more year.
In a show of sportsmanship and respect, the Suns featured a congratulatory video from Shaquille O’Neal during a game break. O’Neal advised Durant, “You know it doesn’t stop here.”
Among the elite, LeBron James stands out as the only player with a score exceeding 40,000 points, a milestone he reached this season ahead of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The list continues with Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Wilt Chamberlain. Including points from the ABA, Durant is positioned at No. 10 on the combined scoring list.
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FAQs About Kevin Durant’s Scoring Milestone
- How many career points does Kevin Durant have?
As of the Phoenix Suns’ game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Kevin Durant has a total of 28,610 career points. - What number is Kevin Durant on the NBA’s all-time scoring list?
Kevin Durant is currently ranked 8th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. - Who are the top three scorers in NBA history?
The top three scorers in NBA history are LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Karl Malone, in that order. - How has Durant been scoring compared to his career average this season?
This season, Kevin Durant has been scoring nearly 28 points per game, which is slightly higher than his career average. - Who will Durant have to surpass to reach the next spot on the list?
To reach the next spot, Kevin Durant will have to surpass Wilt Chamberlain, who scored a total of 31,419 career points.
Conclusion
Kevin Durant’s achievement of surpassing Shaquille O’Neal on the NBA’s all-time scoring list is a testament to his exceptional talent and longevity in the game. As Durant continues to perform at an elite level, fans and fellow athletes alike celebrate his ongoing contributions to basketball history. It will be intriguing to watch Durant’s pursuit of Wilt Chamberlain in the scoreboard rankings and his enduring impact on the sport.