Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns continues his ascension into basketball history.
Durant was 12th all-time in scoring entering tonight, needing just 14 points to overtake Elvin Hayes (27,313) for 11th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring chart.
Against the Portland Trail Blazers, it didn’t take long.
Durant scored the game-winning jumper at the top of the key with little under three minutes remaining in the first quarter. Durant began the night 6-6 on the night, with three assists and one rebound.
Durant passed the great Hakeem Olajuwon for his current position on the list earlier this season, which was a significant event for the star.
“When I was a kid, my mother had a crush on Olajuwon.” So that was all I could hear in the home. It wasn’t Jordan in the house; it was Olajuwon.” Durant stated. “So mom always told me to study [Olajuwon] since I was a kid, and I really admire his game and his journey as a man and a basketball player.” So being among the greats is always an honor.”
Before Durant can officially enter the top ten, Moses Malone (27,409) comes in second.
The Suns were 7-6 and on a three-game winning streak entering tonight. Portland had previously dropped seven consecutive games.
Durant has been on a run to start the season, with the future Hall of Fame wing averaging 34.8 points per night entering Tuesday.