Kevin Durant Lives Up to Major Expectations, Overthrows NBA Legend in Elite List

The Phoenix Suns have had an awful start to the second half of their season. After losing to the Dallas Mavericks last night, Kevin Durant and Co. got decimated by the Houston Rockets tonight. Despite the Suns’ 114-110 loss to the Rockets, Kevin Durant had something to be happy about after the game. KD reached a huge career milestone tonight, surpassing NBA legend Carmelo Anthony to become the NBA’s 9th all-time leading scorer.

Carmelo Anthony scored 28,289 points in his legendary career. And Durant finished the night with 28,296 points. That is a huge accomplishment for the 2-time Champion who lived up to Carmelo’s high expectations by surpassing him tonight.

Anthony revealed his expectations for Durant a few weeks ago during the 7 PM in Brooklyn Podcast. “He will go down as arguably the most-pure scorer the game has ever seen.” That was a huge compliment, considering Carmelo was an elite scorer himself. Durant made Melo’s claim stronger by surpassing him tonight. KD finished the game with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists. Durant will soon move up one more spot on the list as he is only 300 points away from surpassing Number 8 Shaquille O’Neal.

During his podcast, Melo also chimed in on Durant putting himself in the GOAT conversation. “Yeah, that man is in the GOAT talk.” Melo said. However, Carmelo revealed that he did not like GOAT conversations because there is no set criteria to determine that. He claimed if going by ring culture, Bill Russell would be considered the GOAT instead of Michael Jordan. So, Melo believes that there can be multiple GOATs, and Kevin Durant belongs on that list alongside LeBron James and Michael Jordan.

Carmelo Anthony does not disregard Kevin Durant because of his Warriors’ run

Kevin Durant is only the second active player among the Top 10 scoring leaders in NBA history. The other one is LeBron James at Number 1. Despite KD’s scoring prowess, many fans disregard his achievements because he won his Championships alongside Stephen Curry and Co. However, Carmelo Anthony believes KD’s Warriors run cannot be held against him. “He went there and he did what he had to do.” Melo said.

Read More: Carmelo Anthony’s Former Teammate Goes Off on George Karl for Blatant Disrespect

According to Carmelo, Durant brought a certain dynamic to the Warriors roster, which they initially lacked. So, it was a deal that benefited both sides. Durant was also in a lose-lose situation where he would have been scrutinized even if he won or lost in Golden State. So, Carmelo claimed Durant focused on only playing basketball and winning during his Warriors run. GOAT or not, Kevin Durant is one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history. And the NBA World should appreciate his greatness while he is still playing at an elite level.