Kevin Durant: A Scoring Legend in the Making
Kevin Durant, known to many by his Instagram handle @easymoneysniper, has long been a figure of awe in the basketball world. His scoring ability is nothing short of legendary, and his journey to becoming the eighth player to reach 30,000 career points is a testament to his prowess on the court. Durant’s teammates, including fellow future Hall of Famers, have always marveled at how effortlessly he scores. From his early days as a skinny teenager in the league to his current status as one of the most prolific scorers, Durant’s journey is a fascinating one.
As Kyrie Irving, a former teammate from the Brooklyn Nets and Team USA, puts it, “He’s that guy that you see almost like a monument in a science museum of just like, what does a great scorer look like?” Durant’s unique combination of height, ball-handling skills, and shooting ability makes him a fierce competitor on the court.
Durant’s scoring accolades are numerous. He won four NBA scoring titles by the age of 25, a feat surpassed only by Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain. His precision is remarkable, joining the ranks of Larry Bird and Steve Nash as the only players with multiple 50/40/90 shooting-split seasons. At 36, Durant continues to defy age, averaging 27.1 points this season, matching his career average that ranks sixth all-time. This marks the 16th season Durant has averaged at least 25 points, second only to LeBron James.
Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder: The Early Years
Durant’s journey began with the Seattle SuperSonics and later the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he scored 17,566 points in 641 games, averaging 27.4 PPG. He won Rookie of the Year during the SuperSonics’ final season in Seattle and quickly became the face of the franchise. The Thunder, with a young core including Russell Westbrook and James Harden, seemed destined for greatness. Durant shined the brightest, winning his first scoring title in his third season with an average of 30.1 points.
Despite the promise, the Thunder never clinched a championship, with injuries and the Golden State dynasty proving formidable obstacles. Durant eventually left in free agency in 2016, but his impact in Oklahoma City remains undeniable.
- Nick Collison: “He’s doing a move like a 6-foot-5 guy, but all of a sudden he’s at the rim and he’s barely jumping. He’s reaching out and dunking the ball. I just hadn’t seen it before.”
- Jeff Green: “It’s rare that you have seen a guy who is a legit 7-foot who can handle how he handles but also stop. He stops under control to get to a shot. You can’t block it.”
- James Harden: “His change of pace, change of direction … he’ll get you leaning one way and once he crosses back over, he’s so tall that if you’re not on his hip, he’s shooting right over you or he’s getting to the basket.”
- Kendrick Perkins: “KD’s post-up game — midpost [and] at the elbow — I think that’s what he’s mastered.”
Golden State Warriors: A New Chapter
Durant’s decision to join the Golden State Warriors in 2016 was met with criticism, but the results were undeniable. In 208 games, he scored 5,374 points, averaging 25.8 PPG. Durant’s scoring dipped slightly due to sharing the ball with the Splash Brothers, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, but he was a dominant force. The Warriors reached the Finals in all three of Durant’s seasons, winning titles in the first two years. Durant was named Finals MVP twice, averaging 35.2 points in the 2017 series against the Cleveland Cavaliers and 28.8 points in the following season’s sweep.
Despite a disappointing end due to injury, Durant’s time with the Warriors was marked by historic greatness.
- Stephen Curry: “Pure talent and work ethic. I mean, it doesn’t happen by accident.”
- Zaza Pachulia: “He could score anywhere — inside, outside.”
- Klay Thompson: “How many 7-footers can shoot the ball from that deep like him?”
- Draymond Green: “There’s no bad shot for him.”
Brooklyn Nets: A Superteam That Never Was
Durant’s move to the Brooklyn Nets in 2019 was filled with promise, but the superteam with Irving and Harden never reached its potential. Durant scored 3,744 points in 129 games, averaging 29.0 PPG. The Nets came close to success, with Durant’s memorable toes-on-the-3-point-line shot in the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks. However, the team never won another playoff game, and the trio eventually parted ways.
- James Harden: “He don’t care where you at. You could be a tall defender, shorter defender. Once he raises up, all he sees is that rim.”
- Royce O’Neale: “He’s stronger than you think and he looks. He uses his body and his athleticism to shoot over you.”
- Jeff Green: “The efficiency of how he scores, it’s not like he’s going 6-for-25. He’s going a cool 13-for-19, 14-for-20.”
- Kyrie Irving: “He’s a scientist out there. He’s always hovering around 50/40/90.”
Phoenix Suns: Continuing the Legacy
Durant’s current chapter with the Phoenix Suns began with a blockbuster trade. In 119 games, he has scored 3,222 points, averaging 27.1 PPG. Despite his continued brilliance, the Suns have struggled to build a contender-caliber team around Durant and Devin Booker.
- Bradley Beal: “People don’t really understand how good his feet are.”
- Royce O’Neale: “He’s unpredictable in a lot of it matters.”
- Tyus Jones: “Practice, games — he shoots at a high clip all the time.”
- Mason Plumlee: “It feels like he’s never forced a shot.”
- Devin Booker: “We’ve never seen it before. Everyone tries to emulate it, and we still haven’t seen it.”
Team USA: A Global Icon
Durant’s impact extends beyond the NBA, with 518 points in 28 Olympic games, averaging 18.5 PPG. His teammates on Team USA have nothing but praise for his skills and dedication.
- Anthony Edwards: “He don’t really miss midranges, man.”
- Anthony Davis: “Just the amount of work he actually puts into his game, man.”
- LeBron James: “KD is a generational player. Someone that comes around every so odd often.”
Durant’s journey is far from over, and as he continues to defy expectations, his legacy as one of the greatest scorers in basketball history is firmly cemented.
Originally Written by: Tim MacMahon
