Kevin Durant is nearing a new level of basketball achievement: a spot in the Top 5 on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
Durant needs 69 points to surpass Michael Jordan’s 32,292 career points. This would put Durant at No. 5 overall on the chart. He is set to achieve this in the game against the Lakers.
Durant’s View on Joining the Greats
Durant, 37, has been scoring at a high level for a long time. His scoring averages have been in the high 20s for many seasons. He has also had the longevity to create such opportunities.
“It’s pretty cool to be in the same category as some of the greats that ever played the game,” Durant said. “They’ve added so much to the game that have inspired me to stick around this long.”
Durant said he saw Jordan in person once when Jordan finished his career with the Wizards. “I just remember the excitement in the building, the excitement around town,” Durant said. “The reaction to Mike was just different, man.”
A Versatile Scoring Machine
Durant can score in a variety of ways, making him a tough assignment for defenders. He scores at the rim, mid-range, and from 3-pointers, off the dribble, catch and shoot.
This diversity is something he shares with other top 10 scorers. When the defense took something away from those players, they chose another method.
Durant missed the entire 2019-20 season and played just 35 games in 2020-21 after recovering from Achilles surgery. Without that pause between stints with the Golden State Warriors and Brooklyn Nets, his rise on the list would’ve been sooner.
Making an Impact Wherever He Plays
Durant has consistently made a scoring impact, no matter the system, coach or team. He managed to score in bunches next to Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City and alongside Stephen Curry with the Warriors. He did so beside Devin Booker with the Phoenix Suns and playing with James Harden and Kyrie Irving in Brooklyn.
Westbrook, Harden and Curry are all former scoring champs, while Curry is a two-time Kia MVP.