Kevin Durant, one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, achieved a major milestone during the Houston Rockets’ 117-98 victory over the Phoenix Suns. The 37-year-old superstar became only the eighth player in NBA history to surpass 31,000 career points, cementing his legacy among the league’s all-time greats.

Durant Hits 31,000 Points

Durant entered the game needing just four points to reach the historic mark. Midway through the first quarter, he scored a 10-foot jump shot to officially join the exclusive 31,000-point club. By the end of the game, Durant had finished with 28 points, pushing his career total to 31,024 points.

This achievement places him behind legendary players such as Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, and LeBron James.

Reflecting on the milestone, Durant said:
“As you’re coming up into the league, you look at these guys as heroes and you put them on pedestals, and you look at their accomplishments as sometimes unreachable. But then you get on that road trying to do your thing. That’s what I’ve done since 2008.”

He added:
“I’ve been focused on trying to be the best player I can be, and they set a standard for each player when they left the league. Guys like Wilt, Michael, Kobe – I’m missing so many guys – they just set a standard that I try to reach every day.”

Rockets’ Dominant Performance

Durant’s scoring milestone was highlighted by a strong team effort from the Houston Rockets, who defeated the Suns by 19 points. The Rockets’ win showcased both Durant’s scoring prowess and their ability to perform as a cohesive unit, reinforcing their position as a competitive force in the Western Conference.

NBA Injury Updates

The NBA is also dealing with key player injuries that could impact upcoming games. The Milwaukee Bucks announced that star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo may be sidelined for up to a month due to a calf strain sustained against the Detroit Pistons. The Bucks are taking extra care to ensure his full recovery, with coach Don Rivers stating:
“We just have to try to get that right. Even if it takes longer, we want him 100% healthy.”

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers were without LeBron James and Luka Doncic during a 126-105 loss to the Boston Celtics. James continues to manage a sciatica issue in his left foot, which kept him out for the first 14 games of the season. Doncic missed the match for personal reasons but is expected to return for the Lakers’ upcoming three-game road trip against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Durant’s Legacy in the NBA

Reaching 31,000 points places Kevin Durant in an elite category of basketball legends. His ability to maintain high-level performance over a long career is a testament to his skill, work ethic, and consistency. Fans and analysts alike now recognize Durant not just as a scorer but as a player who continues to define excellence in the modern NBA era.

This milestone is more than just numbers—it reflects Durant’s dedication to the game, his resilience through injuries and team changes, and his ongoing influence as a role model for aspiring players worldwide.