In the world of professional basketball, figures like Kevin Durant are rare jewels—players whose presence can shift the balance of a game, if not the entire league. Durant’s reputation as one of the deadliest scorers in the NBA was once again affirmed when he hit a career milestone that only seven other players before him have reached: the 30,000-point club. The occasion was nothing short of epic, emblazoned into memory with a ceremonious free throw at the Footprint Center, where the Phoenix Suns star completed his scoring feat amid an electric atmosphere.
At 36, while many athletes have long hung up their jerseys, Kevin Durant continues to defy aging stereotypes in sports. Tuesday night’s game between the Suns and the Memphis Grizzlies may have ended in a 119-112 loss for the Suns, but it was an evening that solidified Durant’s legacy. Averaging a staggering 34 points, alongside three rebounds and assists each, Durant proved yet again why he remains an unyielding force in his 17th season in the league.
The brightness of this milestone doesn’t fade, as the iconic moment receives a tangible commemoration from Topps Now. The renowned sports card company is offering a limited-edition trading card capturing Durant in action. For collectors and admirers alike, this offers an entrée into basketball history. Durably printed, the card showcases Durant in a visually striking “35” jersey, a nod to his Suns tenure, bathed in the colors emblematic of the franchise: orange, black, and purple.
This unique card doesn’t just cement the milestone but turns into a coveted collectible. The base version is accessible at a fair $11.99, but for enthusiasts seeking exclusivity, there are parallel versions in varying degrees of rarity—Green [/99], Blue [/75], Gold [/50], Orange [/25], Black [/10], Red [/5], and the dazzling SuperFractor [1/1]. Additionally, the truly lucky could discover auto-relic redemptions. These are rare gems featuring Durant’s game-worn shorts, further enhancing the card’s significance, with variations available at /10, /5, and the singular 1/1 SuperFractor, complete with an autograph.
Durant’s entry into the 30,000-point club is more than a number; it is a joining of the ranks with the most revered figures in NBA history. When one delves into the list, it is an assortment of royalty featuring the likes of LeBron James, who leads the scoreboard, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the adept scorer Karl Malone, the late Kobe Bryant, the ineffable Michael Jordan, Germany’s own Dirk Nowitzki, and the unstoppable Wilt Chamberlain. With his latest achievement, Durant takes his place alongside them, having equaled the legendary Abdul-Jabbar in reaching this score after 1,101 games. Only two aforementioned legends, Chamberlain and Jordan, streaked to the milestone at a faster clip.
Reflecting on his achievement, Durant spoke with a grace befitting a polished veteran, telling NBA.com, “It’s a true honor to be in the same category as those players who helped shape the game and pushed the game forward.” Such sentiments mirrored the humility and respect he has consistently shown for the game of basketball.
The momentous free throw that pushed Durant past the 30,000-point threshold came about during an assertive drive in the game’s second half. Brandon Clarke of the Grizzlies found himself drawn into a foul, setting the stage for Durant’s calm yet momentous completion at the stripe. This moment was yet another resounding chapter in a career bedecked with accolades, including a 2007 Rookie of the Year award and MVP honors.
As Kevin Durant’s storied career continues, the basketball world watches in anticipation. His place among the pantheon of greats is cemented, yet with every point made from here on, he ascends further into rarified air. How much higher he can rise on the all-time scoring list remains to be seen, but what is certain is that fans will savor every basket, every dunk, and every resilient outing from this once-in-a-generation talent.
The celebration of Durant’s 30,000-point milestone with the commemorative Topps Now card is a fitting tribute to a player who continues to redefine excellence on the court. Collectors and fans alike will likely relish these memorabilia, symbolic of Kevin Durant’s unwavering prowess and his ever-expanding legacy in the annals of basketball history.