Shaquille O’Neal challenges Kevin Durant to get No.1 on All-time scoring list after historic feat

Kevin Durant is now the 8th player on the all-time leading scorer list surpassing Shaquille O'Neal.

Shaquille O’Neal challenges Kevin Durant to get No.1 on All-time scoring list after historic feat

Kevin Durant has passed Shaquille O'Neal on the all-time scoring list

Kevin Durant keeps adding accomplishments to his resume. He is one of the best scorers in the league and has added his name to the NBA history books for yet another time. The forward has moved to the 8th rank on the league’s all-time leading scorer list. On Wednesday, the three-time champion successfully passed basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal in the record book.

Shaquille O’Neal always shows love to players and their achievements. Shaq had a sweet message for Durant. After KD passed the veteran, a video of Shaq congratulating the player was played in the arena. On TNT’s broadcast, the star of Inside the NBA challenged Durant to get to the number one spot on the list. This is what Shaq said: 

Congratulations for passing me to become the 8th on the NBA's all-time scoring list. Well deserved. But you know this doesn't stop here... See if you can get two number one.
Shaquille O’Neal via Inside the NBA
YouTube video

Heading into the game against the Philadelphia 76ers, the Phoenix Suns‘ forward only needed nine points to pass Shaq. With more than 10 minutes left in the 3rd quarter, Durant hit a mid-range jumper to achieve the record. Kevin Durant took 159 fewer games than O’Neal to accomplish the numbers. He now has 28,610 total regular-season career points.

FS Video

O’Neal further admitted that he had a hunch Durant would pass him and applauded the player for a job well done. The star ended the praise by calling the athlete “Durantula.” The Suns’ star had a great game as he took the team to a 115-102 victory, scoring 22 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.

Kevin Durant reacts to Shaquille O’Neal’s message to him

Post-game, Durant was asked about his ability to ascend after he passed Shaquille O’Neal on the all-time scoring list. The ‘Slim Reaper’ showed gratefulness to the people around him, including teammates and coaches, for their support. The decorated basketball star also took the opportunity to thank fans for supporting him throughout his career.

Further, Durant reacted to O’Neal’s message being played in the arena. This is what KD said: 

When so much support in the arena when it happens, stop the game then you hear Shaq talking to me. I mean it's hard not to reflect.
Kevin Durant via post-game interview
YouTube video

Further, the reporter asked about his thoughts on O’Neal issuing a challenge to him to become number one. Durant laughed at that and answered that rank was not one of his goals. However, KD expressed being thankful for the journey and revealed wanting to keep playing ahead. This season, the 35-year-old averages 27.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. Only time tell where KD ends up on the all-time scoring list.

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