When Kevin Durant surpassed Shaquille O’Neal to claim the eighth spot on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, it was a moment of significance.
The Big Fella himself, Shaq, had a message for KD: “Keep soaring, young fella!
The Big Fella's message to KD after passing him on the all-time scoring list 💯 pic.twitter.com/3WBKsI6TVI
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) March 21, 2024
Durant’s relentless pursuit of scoring milestones has been nothing short of remarkable. From his early days as a rookie in Seattle to his current tenure with the Phoenix Suns, KD has consistently put-up impressive numbers.
Let’s take a closer look at his scoring journey:
– 2022-23 Season: KD began the season ranked 21st all-time in scoring. By the time he concluded the season in Phoenix, he had already surpassed legends like Alex English, Vince Carter, Kevin Garnett, John Havlicek, Paul Pierce, Tim Duncan, Dominique Wilkins, and Oscar Robertson, securing the 13th place.
– 2023-24 Season: In his first full season with the Suns, Durant continued his ascent. He surpassed Hakeem Olajuwon, Elvin Hayes, Moses Malone, and Carmelo Anthony, reaching ninth place. Now, with Shaq in his sights, KD needs just 33 more points to cement his place as the eighth greatest scorer in NBA history.
What sets Durant apart is his versatility as a scorer. He’s not confined to one style; instead, he excels across different aspects of scoring:
1. Inside the Paint: KD can beat defenders off the dribble and finish at the basket. His 3,059 field goals made in the restricted area attest to this skill.
2. Midrange Mastery: Durant is a master of the midrange game. His 3,228 field goals from that zone are the most of any area on the court.
3. Beyond the Arc: A career 38.7% 3-point shooter, Durant forces defenders to respect his deep ball. Play him tight, and he’ll drive past you; give him space, and he’ll rain down 3s.
Kevin Durant’s scoring resume is like a meticulously stacked shot chart: 9,808 field goals made, 1,995 3-pointers made, and 6,953 free throws made.
His consistency and ability to score from any spot make him a true three-level scorer. So, as KD continues to climb the ranks, we can all echo Shaq’s sentiment: Keep soaring, young fella!
Fans reacted as follows.
Cool that Shaq shouted out the real mvp
— Shaquille O'n Wheels (@dum_alik) March 21, 2024
@SHAQ 💪🏿💯
— CountingMoneyTogether LLC (@CM2_gether) March 21, 2024
It was a lil shade in that response,he know Lebron got a choke hold on #1 lol!
— JBrownNC80👑 (@MrJbrown40) March 21, 2024
Shaq saw that post LeBron made about him 😭
— SRiDHaR (@KingOfMongrels_) March 21, 2024
He is not passing LeBron 😂
— YourProblem 🚩 (@BertcyW) March 21, 2024
Number 1?! Nah, he ain’t catching Bron. Idk if he’ll pass Kobe
— Mel (@MB_cali) March 21, 2024
Shaq in Shambles
— Z™️ (@Chlcago_) March 21, 2024
Number 1? These TNT guys must be tripping
— Saheem (@Saheem23_) March 21, 2024
KD still a fraud
— El_Caballero (@Elcaballero000) March 21, 2024
