Kevin Durant’s Unstoppable Climb: The Next Threat to Shaq’s Legacy?

Published 03/03/2024, 6:56 PM EST

Over the 16 seasons in the NBA, Kevin Durant has been a monolith of effortless offensive. His OKC Thunder years proved his ability to score from anywhere on the floor to the entire league. However, after perfecting his pull-up jump shot from both shoulders, he has become nearly unstoppable. Recently, however, the two-time NBA Champion seems to have inched closer to NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal.

In the recent edition of ‘No Cap Room’, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine talked about Durant’s impact on both sides of the floor for the Suns. While discussing his powers as an elite two-way player the hosts hinted at Kevin Durant surpassing Shaq as he surpassed Carmelo Anthony.

According to him, “In the bit big blinking billboard of what the NBA pushes out and what not for rising up the all-time scoring chart he’s at Ninth now. He’s coming for Shq next. It’s just, it’s pretty amazing that he’s capable of doing this at this level.”

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Only this year, Kevin Durant reached number 10 on the All-time scoring list and it looks like he’s going to climb the ranks even further as the season progresses. The Slim Reaper currently has 28,373 points in just 1,039 games, while Shaq’s sitting at the 8th spot with 28,596 points for his prolific career. It is very clear that it’s not a matter of an if anymore, it’s a matter of when. With a difference of just 223 points, KD can cover it within 8 games with his current average of 27.9 points a game.

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When will Kevin Durant be able to surpass Shaq?

So far, it looks like Kevin Durant can overcome Shaquille O’Neal in his upcoming match against the Boston Celtics on March 15th. Interestingly, if this prediction does come to pass, KD will have snatched Shaq’s record playing against a team the big man played for. Fans can already hear Chuck’s voice ready to Bully O’Neal the second Durant surpasses him on the All-time scoring list.

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Nevertheless, fans will be in for a treat, as they have been this season. LeBron James passing the 40k mark and KD rising up the scoring ranks, have been a joy to watch for anyone who admires basketball. Hopefully, there’s enough fire left in Kevin Durant to give us some more before finally passing the baton to the NBA’s future.

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Written by:

Akashdeep Banerjee is an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports. He commenced his journey in sports writing after obtaining a degree in Mass Communication. The pinnacle of the three-point revolution, marked by the captivating performances of Stephen Curry and the GSW, ignited his passion.

Edited by:

Ankit Singh

Kevin Durant’s Unstoppable Climb: The Next Threat to Shaq’s Legacy?

When will Kevin Durant be able to surpass Shaq?

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