Kevin Durant is one of the most iconic players in the history of the NBA. His career accomplishments and accolades have cemented him as one of the greatest players of all time and arguably the greatest scorer of all time. We will explore 10 reasons why Kevin Durant is the greatest scorer of all time.
1. Consistent Scoring
One of the most impressive aspects of Durant’s scoring ability is his consistency. Throughout his career, Durant has consistently been one of the top scorers in the league, averaging over 25 points per game in each of his first nine seasons. He is one of only three players in NBA history to ever accomplish this feat, joining Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. This impressive streak of consistent scoring is a testament to Durant’s ability to remain effective even as the competition around him has improved.
2. High-Volume Scoring
In addition to his consistency, Durant is also capable of scoring at a high volume. He has scored 40 or more points in a game 81 times, which is the third-most in NBA history behind only Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain. Durant has also scored 50 or more points in a game 20 times, which is the fifth-most in NBA history. His ability to score in large volumes is a testament to his skill and strength as a scorer.
3. Efficiency
Durant is one of the most considerable and efficient scorers in NBA history. He is a career 48.1% shooter from the field and a 38.1% shooter from 3-point range. He is also an 82.1% shooter from the free-throw line, which is the second-highest mark in NBA history. His efficiency as a scorer is unmatched, and it has allowed him to remain effective even as the competition around him has improved.
4. Versatility
Durant is one of the most versatile scorers in NBA history. He is capable of scoring from all areas of the court, whether it be from the perimeter, the mid-range, or in the post. He is also capable of scoring in a variety of ways, whether it be through jump shots, layups, or free throws. His incredible versatility as a scorer is one of the reasons why he is considered to be one of the greatest scorers of all time.
5. Clutch Scoring
Durant is one of the most clutch scorers in NBA history. He has hit a number of game-winning shots throughout his career, including the iconic 3-pointer in Game 3 of the 2017 NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers. His ability to step up in the clutch and deliver big shots is one of the reasons why he is considered to be one of the greatest scorers of all time.
6. Durability
Durant has also been incredibly durable throughout his career. He has only missed an average of 8.7 games per season, which is the third-lowest average in NBA history. His durability is a testament to his commitment to staying healthy and in shape, which has allowed him to remain one of the league’s top scorers throughout his career.
7. Offensive Rebounds
Durant is also one of the best offensive rebounders in NBA history. He has averaged 1.5 offensive rebounds per game throughout his career, which is the fourth-highest mark in NBA history. His ability to grab offensive rebounds and score second-chance points has been a major part of his success as a scorer.
8. Free Throws
Durant is also one of the best free-throw shooters in NBA history. He is a career 82.1% shooter from the free-throw line, which is the second-highest mark in NBA history. His ability to get to the line and convert at a high rate have been a major part of his success as a scorer.
9. Offensive Impact
Durant’s offensive impact has been felt throughout his career. He has been a part of teams that have ranked in the top five in offensive efficiency in each of the last nine seasons, a streak that is unmatched in NBA history. His ability to create shots for himself and his teammates has been a major part of his success as a scorer.
10. Playoff Success
Durant has also been incredibly successful in the playoffs. He has led his teams to the NBA Finals four times and won two championships. He is also a two-time NBA Finals MVP, which is a testament to his ability to elevate his game in the playoffs and deliver big-time performances when it matters most.
Kevin Durant is one of the greatest scorers of all time. His combination of consistency, volume, efficiency, versatility, and clutch scoring have allowed him to remain one of the top scorers in the league throughout his career. His offensive impact and playoff success have also been a major part of his success as a scorer.
