Rockets forward Kevin Durant became the eighth player in NBA history to reach 31,000 career points, hitting the milestone in a home win by the Rockets over the Phoenix Suns. Durant had entered the game needing just four points to reach 31,000. He got there in the first quarter with a midrange jumper pushing him over the top. He’s now the eighth member of the 31,000 point club, joining LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Wilt Chamberlain.
For the game, Durant finished with 28 points with the Rockets blowing out the Suns, 117-98. The Rockets used a 44-point second quarter, with 17 points from Durant.
Of course, Durant was acquired by the Rockets this summer in a blockbuster trade with Phoenix in exchange for Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and Houston’s first round draft pick this summer. Later in the summer, Durant signed a two-year, $90 million contract extension, a deal which will keep him under contract with the Rockets through the 2027-2028 season. The contract includes a player option for the 2027-2028 season. Durant would be 39 in the last season of the contract.
Durant was eligible for a maximum two-year extension worth roughly $118-$122 million but accepted about $30 million less than the max to give Houston more salary-cap flexibility. Rockets brass is still needing to lock up other members of its young core to long term extensions to keep open the team’s title window.
Durant, now 37, appears to have barely fallen off his game, seemingly as effective as ever. If he stays healthy, he should continue climbing up the rankings during the duration of his current contract with the Rockets. Wilt Chamberlain, at 31,419, and Dirk Nowitzki, at 31,560, are both within sight for Durant this season. Kobe Bryant, at fourth all-time, at 33,643 points, and Michael Jordan, at fifth all-time, at 32,292, are both also very much within reach realistically before the time Durant retires if he plays through his extension. At his current pace, Durant should be able to land at the fourth all-time spot before his 40th birthday.
For the season, Durant is averaging 25.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. He is shooting 50.5% from the floor.