In the Phoenix Suns’ 119-111 loss to the Denver Nuggets, Kevin Durant accomplished a significant feat, moving up to No. 10 on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, surpassing the legendary Moses Malone. Durant’s remarkable performance saw him amass 30 points during the game, elevating his career total to 27,423 points.
The inevitability of Durant entering the NBA’s top ten became apparent just before halftime when the 35-year-old star aggressively attacked Denver Nuggets guard Reggie Jackson under the basket, finishing with finesse off the glass to surpass Malone’s 27,409 career points. Speaking to reporters postgame, Durant expressed his amazement at being among the basketball greats and acknowledged the extensive journey and collaborative effort that brought him to this milestone.
Grateful for the support and contributions of teammates, coaches, family, and friends throughout his career, Durant recognized the significance of reaching such heights. While laughing about his elder statesman status in the league, Durant emphasized the dedication, preparation, and collective assistance that propelled him to this prestigious position.
NBA History: Durant Surpasses Moses Malone
Widely acknowledged as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, Durant’s place in the all-time scoring rankings reflects his offensive prowess. A four-time NBA scoring champion and a 13-time NBA All-Star, Durant stands out for his exceptional offensive skills and versatility.
Notably, Durant is part of the exclusive 50-40-90 club, achieving the impressive feat in multiple seasons. Membership in this elite group requires shooting at least 50% from the field, 40% from beyond the arc, and 90% from the free-throw line during a season.
Despite Durant’s monumental achievement, the Suns fell short against the Nuggets. Nikola Jokić, the standout player for Denver, contributed significantly with 21 points and 16 assists, leading his team to an impressive road victory.
In other NBA action, the Boston Celtics secured a 125-119 win against the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite the Sixers’ resilient efforts without key players Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, Boston’s early dominance proved insurmountable, with four players reaching 20 points, including Jayson Tatum, who was ejected at the end of the third quarter after receiving two technical fouls.
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