15 Moments That Show Kevin Durant’s Scoring Brilliance

Kevin Durant’s scoring ability is showcased through 15 defining performances that demonstrate his skill, range, and impact throughout his NBA career.

Sophia Zapanta
June 14, 2025
5 min read

15 Moments That Show Kevin Durant’s Scoring Brilliance — Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Kevin Durant is one of the most gifted scorers in NBA history. These 15 moments highlight key games where his offensive talent stood out on the biggest stages. Each one shows a different side of his scoring — from volume shooting to clutch plays and efficient dominance.

1. 2007 – First 30-Point Game as a Rookie

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On November 16, 2007, Durant scored 30 points against the Atlanta Hawks. He was 19 years old and just a few games into his NBA career with the Seattle SuperSonics. His smooth shooting and confidence stood out early. It was the first sign he could score at a high level right away.

2. 2010 – Becomes Youngest Scoring Champion

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Durant won his first scoring title in the 2009–10 season by averaging 30.1 points per game. At 21 years old, he became the youngest player ever to lead the NBA in scoring. He finished the season with 2,472 total points. His scoring was consistent, efficient, and a key part of Oklahoma City’s rise.

3. 2012 – 51-Point Game vs. Denver Nuggets

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On February 19, 2012, Durant scored 51 points against the Nuggets. It was his first 50-point game in the NBA. He shot 19-for-28 from the field and added eight rebounds and four assists. It was a complete scoring performance with little wasted motion.

4. 2013 – 52 Points in Overtime Win vs. Mavericks

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On January 18, 2013, Durant scored 52 points in an overtime win over Dallas. He went 13-for-31 from the field and 21-for-21 from the free-throw line. He scored 9 points in overtime alone. The game showed how he could close games with both jumpers and pressure-free throws.

5. 2014 – Career-High 54 Points vs. Warriors

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Durant dropped a career-high 54 points on January 17, 2014, against the Golden State Warriors. He shot 19-for-28 and made five three-pointers. The scoring came in rhythm with the flow of the game. It was one of his most efficient high-scoring games ever.

6. 2014 – MVP Season Scoring Run

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During January 2014, Durant scored 30 or more points in 12 straight games. In that stretch, he averaged over 36 points per game. It was a pivotal stretch that helped him win the 2013–14 Most Valuable Player award. He combined volume scoring with high shooting percentages and strong playmaking.

7. 2016 – 41 Points in Game 4 vs. Spurs

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On May 8, 2016, Durant scored 41 points in Game 4 of the Western Semifinals against the Spurs. He scored 29 in the second half, helping the Thunder tie the series. His isolation scoring was crucial in the comeback win. It was one of his best playoff efforts in a tight series.

8. 2017 – 38 Points in NBA Finals Game 1 vs. Cavaliers

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In Game 1 of the 2017 Finals, Durant scored 38 points on 14-for-26 shooting. He added eight rebounds and eight assists, dominating both ends. His transition dunks and pull-up jumpers stood out. The game set the tone for Golden State’s series win.

9. 2017 – Pull-Up Three Over LeBron in Game 3

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On June 7, 2017, Durant hit a pull-up three in the final minute over LeBron James in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. He finished with 31 points in the game. The shot gave the Warriors the lead and momentum. It became one of the most replayed moments of his career.

10. 2018 – 43 Points in Game 3 of NBA Finals

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Durant scored 43 points in Game 3 of the 2018 Finals against the Cavaliers. He shot 15-for-23 from the field and added 13 rebounds and seven assists. He again hit a dagger three from almost the same spot as 2017. It was one of the most complete Finals performances of his career.

11. 2019 – 50 Points in Game 6 vs. Clippers

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On April 26, 2019, Durant scored 50 points in Game 6 of the closeout against the LA Clippers. He shot 15-for-26 and made 14 free throws. He scored 38 points in the first half alone. It was a display of how quickly he can take over a playoff game.

12. 2021 – 49 Points, Triple-Double vs. Bucks

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On June 15, 2021, in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Durant had 49 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists against Milwaukee. He played all 48 minutes and shot 16-for-23. It was one of the greatest all-around playoff games in NBA history. The performance carried a short-handed Nets team to a key win.

13. 2021 – 48 Points in Game 7 vs. Bucks

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Durant scored 48 points in Game 7 on June 19, 2021, setting a new record for most points in a Game 7. He sent the game to overtime with a deep two-pointer, inches away from a game-winning three. He played 53 minutes in total. Despite the loss, it was a historic effort.

14. 2023 – 44 Points with Suns vs. Thunder

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On April 2, 2023, Durant scored 44 points against Oklahoma City. He made 17 of 21 shots and was nearly perfect from midrange. It was his highest-scoring game with the Suns up to that point. The game showed that his scoring touch had not faded after injury.

15. 2024 – Passing Shaquille O’Neal on All-Time Scoring List

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In March 2024, Durant passed Shaquille O’Neal to move into the top 8 on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. He did it with a jumper in a game against the Denver Nuggets. The moment reflected both his longevity and consistency. He is now one of the top scorers in NBA history, by total points and skill.