What's happened
Kevin Durant scored his 31,422nd point, passing Wilt Chamberlain to become the seventh-highest scorer in NBA history. The milestone was achieved during a game where Durant finished with 30 points. Other notable scores include LeBron James and Dirk Nowitzki. The game also featured dramatic comebacks and close finishes.
What's behind the headline?
Durant’s passing Wilt Chamberlain’s scoring total underscores his remarkable scoring consistency over nearly two decades. His ability to maintain high performance levels at age 37 defies typical athletic decline. The achievement also shifts attention to the evolving landscape of NBA scoring, where players like LeBron James now lead the all-time list. This milestone cements Durant’s legacy as one of the league’s greatest scorers, and it signals his potential to climb higher on the all-time list, possibly surpassing Dirk Nowitzki later this month. The game’s close finishes and comebacks, such as Oklahoma City’s win over Memphis, demonstrate the resilience of teams and players, even amid injuries and trade rumors. Overall, Durant’s milestone is a testament to his skill, durability, and importance in NBA history.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports Durant’s milestone during a game where he scored 30 points, passing Wilt Chamberlain’s 31,419 points. The article highlights Durant’s career achievements and upcoming milestones, including surpassing Dirk Nowitzki. AP News details Durant’s scoring feat, noting his 37 points and passing Chamberlain with a 3-pointer. Both sources emphasize Durant’s longevity and scoring prowess, with Al Jazeera providing context on his career and AP focusing on the game specifics. The coverage underscores Durant’s place among NBA legends and the significance of his scoring record in the league’s history.
How we got here
Durant, 37, is in his 18th NBA season and a 15-time All-Star. He recently surpassed 8,000 career rebounds and is closing in on sixth-place scorer Dirk Nowitzki. The milestone highlights Durant’s longevity and scoring consistency in the league, which has seen him evolve from a young Oklahoma City star to a veteran leader.
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