Kevin Durant’s ascension to the NBA’s all-time scoring elite was recently celebrated by his team, the Phoenix Suns, and a legendary player he surpassed – Shaquille O’Neal. A tweet by @YoungNBA captured this momentous occasion, highlighting the recognition Durant received for his achievement.
Kevin Durant honored by the Suns and Shaq for moving into 8th all time on the scoring list pic.twitter.com/zLxDOGoonm
— Shane Young (@YoungNBA) March 21, 2024
The tweet likely included a video of the in-game tribute, showcasing the appreciation from both the Suns organization and Shaquille O’Neal himself. This recognition serves as a testament to Durant’s incredible scoring prowess and his position as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history.
Kevin Durant’s Scoring Journey: A Relentless Bucket-Getter
Highest +/- over the last decade:
+6,098 — Steph Curry
+5,173 — Draymond Green
+4,133 — Chris Paul
+4,106 — Kevin Durant
+3,937 — Klay Thompson pic.twitter.com/IjqqO23aye— StatMamba (@StatMamba) March 21, 2024
Durant’s path to becoming an all-time scorer is well documented. A prolific scorer since his rookie year, he has averaged over 27 points per game throughout his career. His offensive arsenal is vast, featuring a lethal combination of size, shooting ability, and post-up moves.
This scoring prowess has translated into individual accolades – Durant is a two-time NBA champion, a two-time Finals MVP, and a 14-time NBA All-Star. Now, with his recent achievement, he joins an exclusive club of NBA legends on the all-time scoring leaderboard.
The tribute from Shaquille O’Neal, another dominant scorer and NBA icon, holds particular significance. Shaquille O’Neal previously occupied the 8th place spot on the all-time scoring list that Durant now holds. The tweet by @YoungNBA highlighting Shaq’s message of congratulations adds a layer of respect to Durant’s accomplishment.
O’Neal, known for his physical dominance and low-post power, has publicly acknowledged Durant’s skillset, praising his ability to score from anywhere on the court. This recognition from a player of Shaq’s stature further validates Durant’s place among the scoring greats.
At 35 years old, Durant shows no signs of slowing down. He remains a dominant offensive force, averaging nearly 28 points per game this season. With continued success, Durant has a legitimate chance to climb even higher on the all-time scoring list.
Whether he can surpass legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar remains to be seen. However, Durant’s relentless scoring ability ensures his name will be etched in NBA history for years to come.
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