The Suns suffered a 117-98 blowout loss Friday night as Durant became the eighth player in league history to score 31,000 points. He entered the game needing only four points, a mark he reached quickly before finishing with 28 in the lopsided win.
For Phoenix, the moment stings. Durant’s tenure in the Valley came with a complicated relationship, with fans arguing over whether he truly needed to leave or was still essential to a playoff push. Though he spent only about three seasons with the Suns, the now-Rockets forward left a clear imprint on the franchise.
Dec 5, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) shoots the ball over Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) to reach 31,000 career points during the first half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Instead of keeping the veteran, the Suns pivoted toward youth in the offseason, shipping Durant to Houston for a package built around young talent. Even if it was just one night, Friday served as a reminder that legacy sometimes outweighs potential.
Reaching 31,000 points is a testament to durability, consistency and excellence across an entire career. Durant now joins LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone, Dirk Nowitzki and Wilt Chamberlain in the exclusive club.
Dec 5, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) drives with the ball during the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Congrats to Kevin Durant of the @HoustonRockets for becoming the 8th player in NBA history to reach 31,000 career PTS! pic.twitter.com/NXM9h0PPDD
— NBA (@NBA) December 6, 2025
The feat reinforces Durant’s standing as one of the best scorers of his generation, even if this milestone came against a team with which he shares a complicated history.