In a world where numbers reign supreme, Kevin Durant has just etched his name in the annals of basketball history with the finesse and poise that has characterized his career. Durant has made the exclusive and revered 30,000-point club his new stomping ground. A testament to his scoring prowess, resilience, and sheer love for the game, the Phoenix Suns’ star managed to achieve this monumental feat during a showdown at the Footprint Center against the Memphis Grizzlies.
The 36-year-old Durant, now in his seventeenth NBA season, sank a pivotal free throw to reach the historic mark, concluding the night with a notable 34 points, three rebounds, and three assists. Although the game ended in a 119-112 loss for the Suns, the night was marked by celebration for Durant—as he became just the eighth player to claim a spot amongst this select group of elite scorers. Joining the likes of LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Michael Jordan, Durant’s induction into this exclusive club is a celebration of consistent excellence and a love for basketball that refuses to waver.
Recognizing this historic achievement, Topps Now has created a limited edition trading card to immortalize the moment Durant joined these hallowed ranks. The commemorative card, featuring Durant in an unlicensed “35” jersey that boasts the colors of his Phoenix squad—orange, black, and purple—captures the exact moment Durant’s shot sailed through the net and history was made. Priced at a modest $11.99 for the base version, collectors and fans can also vie for rare parallel variations, ranging from Green /99 to the singular SuperFractor 1/1—a true gem for memorabilia enthusiasts.
For those lucky enough, the cards also hold the potential for redemption of auto-relics containing game-worn shorts from Durant, raising the stakes for collectors with serial-numbered versions of /10, /5, and an autographed one-of-a-kind 1/1 SuperFractor relic card. This endeavor by Topps isn’t merely a cash grab; it’s a nod to fans and collectors who have admired Durant’s journey and watched him weave his magic on the court.
As Durant’s career accumulates highlights, joining the 30,000-point club adds another accolade for the self-proclaimed “Easy Money Sniper”. The rarefied air of this achievement aligns him with NBA giants whose silhouettes are practically sewn into the very fabric of the game. This group isn’t just about scoring; it’s about resilience through evolving eras, competition with ever-rising talents, and staying relevant in a league where greatness is constantly redefined. As of now, only seven others share this remarkable space with Durant: LeBron James, still collecting accolades at 41,623 points and counting; Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, with 38,387; Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Wilt Chamberlain—all of whom have stretched the boundaries of what was thought possible in terms of scoring.
What is perhaps most captivating about Durant’s feat is the pace at which he achieved it. Looking back, it took him 1,101 games to reach this milestone. A pace that keeps him in line with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, surpassed only by Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan in rapidity to 30,000 marks—each a singularly illustrious figure in their right.
Reflecting on his accomplishment, Durant exuded humility, sharing his gratitude with NBA.com. “It’s a true honor,” he said, to be mentioned alongside the luminaries who have helped shape, evolve, and elevate the game of basketball to its current pinnacle. His career, launched as the 2007 Rookie of the Year, has been punctuated by not just scoring barrages, but artistry in motion, educational tours of shooting prowess, and a near-impeccable resume of achievements that continually leaves fans in awe.
While basking in the glow of this milestone, another discussion emerges: How high can Kevin Durant climb on this list? Given his diligence, his commitment to nurturing his health and skill, as well as an undeniable passion for the sport, there seems to be no end in sight. As the sun sets on his 30,000th point, possibly tomorrow, as soon as another game begins, a new quest will commence full steam ahead.
Durant’s journey carries on—a path met with challenges, occasional roadblocks, yet inevitably marked by the indelible ink of legacy-making moments. As fans celebrate his present and contemplate his future, one thing remains certain: Kevin Durant isn’t done yet, not with scoring, not with his legacy, and certainly not with continuing to capture the hearts of basketball aficionados everywhere.
