In an electrifying Wednesday night showcase, Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant made history by surpassing the legendary Shaquille O’Neal for the No. 8 spot on the NBA’s list of career scoring leaders. Durant’s pivotal 22 points in the Suns’ 115-102 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers elevated his career total to 28,610 points, etching his name deeper into the basketball lore.

At 35 years old and in his 17th NBA season, Durant has surpassed a series of basketball greats on the scoring list this season alone, including Hakeem Olajuwon, Elvin Hayes, Moses Malone, and Carmelo Anthony. The 14-time All-Star, known for his unparalleled scoring ability, is averaging nearly 28 points per game this season, slightly above his career average.

Reflecting on his achievement, Durant shared his reverence for the legends he’s surpassed, especially Shaquille O’Neal. “I’m grateful to be in the category with some of the greatest,” Durant remarked. “We all know what Shaq meant to the game of basketball. So to be up there with him is a major, major honor in my opinion.”

Durant’s ascent up the scoring ladder is a proof of his enduring excellence and consistency. However, reaching the next milestone, No. 7 currently held by Wilt Chamberlain with 31,419 career points, is likely at least another season away for Durant.

During the game, the Suns took a moment to honour Durant’s achievement with a video message from O’Neal himself, who congratulated Durant on surpassing him and hinted at the journey ahead. “You know it doesn’t stop here,” O’Neal said, recognizing the forward’s potential to climb even higher.

The NBA’s career scoring list is a who’s who of basketball immortality, with Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James leading the pack having scored over 40,000 points and surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar earlier this season. The list continues with Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Chamberlain rounding out the top spots.

Durant also holds a significant position on the broader scoring list that includes points scored in both the NBA and the American Basketball Association (ABA), where he is currently ranked No. 10.

As Kevin Durant continues to defy the odds and age, his journey up the NBA’s scoring ranks not only highlights his individual brilliance but also cements his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats. With each game, Durant not only chases history but redefines it, setting a new standard for excellence in professional basketball.