Suns F Kevin Durant Makes History in 1,000th Career Game

How Kevin Durant made history in his 1,000th career game in Suns-Blazers.

PHOENIX -- Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant continues to ascend into the basketball history books.

Heading into tonight, Durant sat 12th in all-time scoring needing just 14 points to pass Elvin Hayes (27,313) for 11th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. 

It didn't take long against the Portland Trail Blazers.

With just under three minutes left in the first quarter, Durant hit a jumper at the top of the key to hit the mark. Durant started the night 6-6 shooting with three assists and one rebound. 

11TH ALL-TIME.

Congrats, KD, on moving into 11th on the @NBA all-time scoring leaderboard 👏 pic.twitter.com/Epx0u8AxBN

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) November 22, 2023

Earlier this season, Durant passed the great Hakeem Olajuwon for his current position on the list, which was admittedly a special moment for the player. 

“My mom had a crush on Olajuwon when I was a kid. So that’s all I used to hear in the house. It wasn’t Jordan, it was Olajuwon in the house, you know?” Durant said. “And so mom, she told me to study [Olajuwon] since I was a kid, and so I really admire his game and his journey as a man and as a basketball player. So it’s always amazing to be amongst the greats.”

Next is Moses Malone (27,409) before Durant can officially move into the top ten. 

Heading into tonight, the Suns were 7-6 and rode a three-game winning streak. Portland had lost their previous seven matchups in a row. 

Durant has been on an absolute tear to begin the season, as the future Hall of Fame wing was averaging 34.8 points per night heading into Tuesday.