Kevin Durant's Climb on NBA's Scoring List: A Look into His Journey

• Phoenix Suns
• NBA
• Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant, the acclaimed basketball player for the Phoenix Suns, has again proven his mettle by surpassing Elvin Hayes and moving to the 11th spot on the NBA's career scoring list. This achievement came during the Phoenix Suns' 120-107 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, marking his 1,000th career game.

"Being amongst the all-time greats, the guys who set the standard and made the NBA what it is today, is an honor," said Kevin Durant.

Entering the game with the need to score 14 points to overtake Hayes, Durant did not disappoint. He scored all 14 points in the first quarter, showcasing his shooting prowess with a 6-for-6 performance that included a 3-pointer and a free throw. By the end of the game, he had racked up a game-high 31 points, bringing his career total to a whopping 27,331 points.

Durant's Progression on the Scoring List

Before this achievement, Durant had surpassed Hakeem Olajuwon for the 12th position on the career scoring list on October 26, 2023. With his eyes set on the top 10 list, Durant has Moses Malone, who currently holds the 10th spot with 27,409 points, in his sights.

Only three players - Wilt Chamberlain (780 games), Michael Jordan (852 games), and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (965 games) - have reached this milestone in fewer games than Durant. This puts the future Hall of Famer in an elite group of players, further solidifying his status as one of the NBA's greatest scorers.

Durant's Ascent and Future Prospects

Durant has a solid chance to ascend into the top 10 as the season unfolds, reflecting his consistent scoring ability and significant contribution to the league. His scoring average has remained impressive throughout the season, with him scoring at least 25 points in every game except for the opening night against the Warriors.

Given his current form and the pace at which he's scoring, it wouldn't be surprising to see Durant break more records and reach new milestones shortly. Fans and fellow players will eagerly watch his journey as he continues to make his mark in the annals of NBA history.

Congratulations to Kevin Durant on this significant achievement, and he's looking forward to more record-breaking performances in the future!