Kevin Durant, at 35 years old, has etched his name into the annals of NBA history by securing the 10th spot on the league’s all-time scoring list, surpassing the legendary Moses Malone during the Suns’ recent clash with the Denver Nuggets. Durant, a 13-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion, expressed his gratitude for the achievement, acknowledging the significant effort and teamwork that propelled him to this milestone.
KEVIN DURANT ENTERS THE TOP-10 IN ALL-TIME NBA SCORING 📈
EASY MONEY 🪣 pic.twitter.com/20k6jknJ0m
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 2, 2023
In a game where Durant needed 17 points to outshine Malone, he efficiently reached the mark in the second quarter, driving along the baseline for a crucial two points with just over 50 seconds remaining before halftime. Although Durant’s performance included a total of 30 points, he encountered shooting challenges, going 8-for-25 from the field and experiencing a scoreless second half, missing all ten attempts.
Durant’s Reflection on the Underrated Impact of Moses Malone
Reflecting on his accomplishment, Durant highlighted the importance of recognizing the contributions of past basketball greats, noting that Moses Malone is often underrated in the league’s historical context. Durant, standing at 6 feet 11 inches, has had a remarkable career spanning 17 seasons, representing teams such as the SuperSonics/Thunder, Warriors, Nets, and the Suns.
LeBron James remains the leading scorer in NBA history with an impressive 39,124 points, making him the sole active player in the top 25. The elite company on the list includes iconic figures like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O’Neal, and Carmelo Anthony.
Durant currently holds the 10th position on the NBA’s scoring list, with a career total of 27,423 points. Notably, he is also ranked 13th on the combined NBA/ABA list, acknowledging the contributions of ABA stars like Julius Erving, Moses Malone, and Dan Issel.
As Durant continues to add to his legacy, his journey through the ranks of basketball greatness is a testament to his enduring skill and commitment to the game.