Houston Rockets star and two-time NBA champion Kevin Durant did not downplay his most recent accomplishment when asked about it. Widely regarded as an otherworldly talent and one of the greatest pure scorers in league history, Durant has continued to ascend the all-time leaderboards late in his career.
After leading the Rockets to a 117-98 win over the Phoenix Suns, Durant was interviewed and offered a lighthearted response upon learning he had further solidified his place in NBA history.
Kevin Durant Reacts to NBA Milestone
While the fact that Durant has been unable to win an NBA championship outside of his time with the Warriors has given critics ample ammunition, there is no denying his individual greatness.
As the Rockets star steadily approaches the back end of his career, his impact on the offensive end of the court shows no real decline. After Durant became the eighth player to record more than 31,000 points, he was interviewed courtside and asked if a younger version of himself would have expected this level of success in the NBA.
The Rockets star displayed no hesitation and pointed out that even a younger version of him never really doubted his own ability and success, “I would’ve said damn right!”
Q: “If I had told the kid growing up from PG County, Maryland that he’d be accomplishing all this, what would he have said?”
KD: “I would’ve said damn right!”@KDTrey5 became the 8th player in NBA history to reach 31,000 career points last night 🙌 pic.twitter.com/OAiRDqPUEl
— NBA (@NBA) December 6, 2025
The expectations placed on any team Durant represents are proof of his greatness. Last season, the Rockets were considered a nice story. They finished with the second-best record in the West, a remarkable accomplishment given that the team lacked talent and experience.
Although they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Warriors, acquiring Durant this offseason has significantly altered the Rockets’ situation. As things stand, they are viewed as one of the best teams in the Western Conference and legitimate postseason contenders.
Perhaps Durant deserves a fair amount of rest for recording 31,000 points and cementing his position in league history. However, he will have to continue adding to that total at a rapid pace if the Rockets hope to contend for an NBA championship this season.
On paper, the Rockets have enough talent to compete with the best teams in the West, such as the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers. Only time will tell if the team can accomplish its ultimate goal with Durant leading the way.
