Kevin Durant made history on Friday during the Houston Rockets’ 117-98 home win against the Phoenix Suns, becoming the eighth player in NBA history to eclipse 31,000 career points, joining LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Wilt Chamberlain.
The Houston Rockets forward did so early in the first period by hitting a midrange jumper over Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams. During the postgame interview, Durant reflected on his personal milestone.
“If I had told the kid growing up from PG County, Maryland, that he would be accomplishing all this (31,000 points), what would he have said?” courtside reporter Vanessa Richardson asked.
“I’d have said, ‘Damn right!'” Durant answered to the delight of the crowd. “I’m just grateful to be in this position, to live out my dreams every single day. So many people have invested in my life. I’m just grateful for them, and I want to keep it going.”
Houston Rockets News: Ime Udoka lauds Kevin Durant after achieving incredible scoring feat
Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka called Kevin Durant’s latest achievement “incredible,” especially since he has seen him grow as a player over the years.
“I played against him his rookie year, and I remember him coming in and trying to guard him the same way now,” Udoka said via Sam Warren of the Houston Chronicle. “Be physical with him and take him off the ball. He’s learned to adapt, adjust, and he’s seen everything. To be able to do this with the longevity and at this high level, efficiency-wise as well, it’s an incredible career.”
“He has a long way to go,” he added. “He’ll pass a few more guys and get a few more thousand, so I’ll leave it there.”
