Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images
Kevin Durant reminded fans why he’s one of the greatest scorers in NBA history despite the Phoenix Suns’ 100-95 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
With Bradley Beal nursing a back injury and Devin Booker dealing with foot soreness, Durant picked up the slack and helped carry the Suns’ offense against a fellow Western Conference playoff contender.
The former MVP ended the night with 39 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 assists while shooting 50 percent from the field. While it’s important not to put too much stock into the single game plus-minus statistic, it’s worth noting that Durant was a plus-18 in a five-point defeat.
His spectacular night was enough to surpass Hakeem Olajuwon for 12th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
Phoenix Suns @Suns
12TH ALL-TIME.
Congrats, KD, on moving into 12th all-time on the @NBA Scoring Leaderboard! 👏 pic.twitter.com/r50iDYLklN
Durant even spent time at center in the fourth quarter, operating as Phoenix’s rim protector. NBA fans were in awe of the 13-time All-Star’s scoring display as well as his all-around effectiveness.
NBA @NBA
KD STEP-BACK. TOUGH.
He scored 15 in the 3Q and has 30 for the game 😤
PHX/LAL – 4Q starting now on TNT | #KiaTipOff23 pic.twitter.com/4ub5B4Gxaj
NBA on TNT @NBAonTNT
What a block by KD 😤 pic.twitter.com/XfRSX2Sjyn
Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
Laker fans watching KD cook
He’s got 30 through 3Q pic.twitter.com/rAcnTiLtyO
Jason McIntyre @jasonrmcintyre
KD: I don’t need Beal and Booker tonight.
I got this.
He’s got 30 after 3 quarters and nobody on the Lakers can slow him.
𝟑𝟓 ✰ @Hatedzs
WHEN IS LAST TIME KD MISSED I DONT HEAR THOSE “WASHED” COMMENTS
NBA Memes @NBAMemes
KD has 30 points on 17 shots
…with a full quarter to go. pic.twitter.com/XeK2tAz9Rk
RB @RyB_311
EASY. MONEY. SNIPER
Suns Are Better @SunsAreBetter
We got a KD masterclass tonight, y’all.
Witnessing greatness. Enjoy.
LEEZUS @AndrewLeezus
btw if you really know what you’re watching when you watch hoops, KD’s gravity was insane that 1st quarter.
𝟑𝟓 ✰ @Hatedzs
I DONT HEAR THE KD HATE RN AND THAT DONT SIT RIGHT W / ME !!!! pic.twitter.com/o1gnZkM0D3
𝐌𝐚𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐧🇨🇦 @goldenstateover
kevin durant is not playing fair this year🐐 pic.twitter.com/4FSsFvdWj8
Kohree ❼ @kohreeeee
Kevin Durant cooked the entire game. No lie
Sports Hub @Sportss_hub
Kevin Durant vs the Lakers #PHXvsLAL pic.twitter.com/8SNFDXEku4
It was also the first regular season matchup between Durant and LeBron James since 2018, a game that featured James’ Lakers
knocking off Durant’s Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day.
The two legends traded buckets in the fourth quarter, routinely challenging each other on both ends of the court.
Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
KD TOUGH AND-1 😤 pic.twitter.com/gwCx3psNza
Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
15 years of legendary competition 🐐🐐 pic.twitter.com/sI1VRUErfZ
Kazeem Famuyide 🇳🇬 🍎 @Kazeem
LeBron and KD trading big plays down the stretch. We’ve been starving. pic.twitter.com/RaPzOdTYVg
☀️ @wstgoat7
LeBron and KD hooping man this bring tears to my eyes
xavi @xavi_fps
Lebron x Durant so entertaining 🔥
While Phoenix ultimately fell short, Durant’s efforts to help lead a short-handed Suns team to a close finish against one of last year’s Western Conference Finalists is more than worthy of praise.
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