Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant etched his name deeper into NBA history on Wednesday night by sinking a three-pointer that propelled him into the top 10 of the league’s all-time made threes list, surpassing Hall of Famer Vince Carter. The milestone shot came during the first half of the Rockets’ 111-99 loss to the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center, marking another highlight in Durant’s illustrious career.
The historic moment occurred as Durant connected on a triple, bringing his career total to 2,291 three-pointers and moving him past Carter for sole possession of 10th place. This achievement underscores Durant’s proficiency from beyond the arc, a skill that has become increasingly vital in the modern NBA. The game was part of a packed Wednesday slate, with the Spurs ultimately prevailing thanks to a dominant performance from Victor Wembanyama, who recorded 28 points, 16 rebounds, and five blocks.
Durant’s ascension on the three-point list places him among active legends, with Stephen Curry and James Harden leading the rankings, followed by Klay Thompson, Damian Lillard, LeBron James, and others. At 37 years old, Durant continues to defy age, maintaining elite shooting percentages and contributing significantly to the Rockets’ campaign. Earlier this month, he also climbed to sixth place on the all-time scoring list, further cementing his status as one of basketball’s greatest offensive talents.
In Wednesday’s contest, Durant finished with 23 points, but his efforts weren’t enough to secure a victory for Houston. The Spurs, led by Wembanyama’s all-around excellence, controlled the second half to snap the Rockets’ momentum. Despite the loss, Durant’s milestone provided a silver lining for the home crowd, who witnessed a piece of NBA history unfold in real time.
The Rockets entered the game with a 28-16 record, boasting the best home winning percentage in the league at 16-3. This strong performance at Toyota Center has been a key factor in their positioning near the top of the competitive Western Conference standings. Durant’s leadership and scoring prowess have been instrumental, as he averages over 38 points per game in January, showcasing his enduring impact.
Durant, an 11-time All-Star and the 2014 MVP, is expected to earn his 16th All-Star selection in the coming days, adding to his already Hall of Fame-worthy resume. His ability to adapt and excel in an era dominated by three-point shooting highlights his versatility and basketball IQ. Passing Carter, a revered figure known for his athleticism and longevity, symbolizes Durant’s own sustained excellence over 19 seasons.
Looking ahead, Durant shows no signs of slowing down, with the potential to climb higher on both the scoring and three-point lists as the season progresses. For the Rockets, the focus will shift to regrouping after the loss and leveraging Durant’s veteran presence for a playoff push. This milestone serves as a reminder of Durant’s legendary career and his ongoing contributions to the game.
