Already as unguardable as they come, given his 6-foot-11 frame and almost-never-before-seen offensive arsenal, Kevin Durant has designed a Hall of Fame-bound career out of — in more ways than one — his ability to see over the top of opponents. On February 11, 2025, that 17-year run of bucket-getting artistry allowed access to a different type of view: a spot alongside just seven others on NBA history’s 30,000-point mountain. In need of only a measly-for-him 26-point requirement, Durant turned the nationally-broadcast battle into a New Year’s Eve-type countdown, crossing the milestone through a pair of free throws in the late third quarter to prompt a well-deserved standing ovation thereafter. As is often the case, the Phoenix Suns’ megastar incorporated doses of everything, from signature pull-ups and fearless around-the-rim attacks, to deficit-trimming triples on no-look dimes from his fellow all-world teammates. Victory wouldn’t be attained against the Memphis Grizzlies, but Durant, graciously receiving the basketball at game’s end, accomplished almost everything else, closing the evening with a 34-point masterpiece (on 12-of-18 shooting), alongside a three-rebound, three-assist, one-steal, five-block, three-trifecta complement. · Feb 12, 2025