Durant, who received two NBA championships in his time with the Golden State Warriors, is a four-time NBA scoring champion and has averaged not less than 20 factors a recreation in every of his 17 seasons within the league.
His scoring common of 27.2 is fourth amongst gamers to play 500 or extra NBA video games behind solely Jordan (30.1), Chamberlain (30.1) and Elgin Baylor (27.4).
“It is a true honour to be in the identical class as these gamers who helped form the sport, pushed the sport ahead,” Durant mentioned.
“That is all the time been my objective: to get probably the most out of myself each day and probably the most out of my profession, so to be talked about with these guys means I am doing one thing proper.”
Durant, who has additionally received 4 Olympic gold medals with Group USA, was given the sport ball by Memphis star Ja Morant, who led the Grizzlies with 26 factors and 6 assists.
“He is one of many greats. He is one of many greats,” Morant informed TNT Sports activities. “That is why I honoured him with the ball.
“He mentioned he [didn’t] care an excessive amount of about it, however hey, [not everyone gets] 30k on this league. Hats off to him, and I hope he hold going. We wish to see him out right here.”
Elsewhere, Karl-Anthony Cities scored 40 factors because the New York Knicks cruised to a 128-115 victory over bitter rivals the Indiana Pacers.
The Knicks keep third within the Jap Convention, a spot forward of the Pacers.
Scottie Barnes had 33 factors and 10 rebounds because the Toronto Raptors inflicted a fourth-straight loss on the Philadelphia 76ers, 106-103.
In the meantime, Detroit Pistons’ Malik Beasley made seven three-pointers off the bench in a 132-92 thrashing of the Chicago Bulls.