Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns reached a noteworthy milestone when he returned from a three-game absence due to a left ankle sprain, becoming the seventh player in NBA history to reach 30,000 career points. The Suns lost to the Memphis Grizzlies 119–112 in spite of Durant’s outstanding effort.

Durant’s Momentous Success

In his 1,101st game, Durant made two free throws in the third quarter to surpass the 30,000-point milestone. He now has the third-fastest climb to 30,000 points, behind only Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain, tied with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. With 34 points at the end of the game, he now has 30,008 points overall.

Game Highlights 

With 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, Ja Morant of the Grizzlies led his team to Memphis’ 11th victory in their last 13 games. Devin Booker and Bol Bol added 22 points and 15 points off the bench for the Suns, respectively, but Phoenix’s performance suffered due to their inability to shoot well and pull down rebounds. 

Durant’s Perspective On his milestone, Durant said, “It’s an honor to join such an elite group of players. I’ve been fortunate to play with great teammates and coaches throughout my career who have helped me reach this point.”

Looking Ahead

As they get ready to play the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, the Suns, who are currently 26-27, want to bounce back. As the team attempts to raise its ranking in the Western Conference, Durant’s comeback and historic accomplishment offer hope.

Durant’s accomplishment confirms his status as one of the NBA’s all-time greats and highlights his lasting influence on the sport.