Phoenix Suns: Shaquille O’Neal Sends Warm Message to Kevin Durant After Beating Him in Scoring List

The Slim Reaper only needed eight points to pass over Shaq’s 28,596 career points, so it was all but a formality when Durant officially finished the game as the eighth-best scorer in NBA history with his 22 points.

The four-time NBA champ was graceful during his congratulatory message to Durant while also throwing in a bit of a challenge his way, per Sports Illustrated’s Jeff Smith:

“First of all, I want to say congratulations for passing me to become eighth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, well-deserved. But you know it doesn’t stop here. I probably see you at – let’s see if you can get to No. 1,” O’Neal said on the set of TNT’s Inside the NBA.

“Congratulations, brother, job well done. I knew it was gonna get done, if anybody was going to pass me, it was definitely going to be you.”

One may think that Shaq threw in the challenge to dethrone LeBron James because of their current beef. However, it can also be a genuine challenge from the former Los Angeles Lakers star for Durant to become the best scorer he knows he could be.

Durant also complemented his solid shooting night against Joel Embiid’s team with eight boards and four dimes in 36 minutes of play.

Who is next on the list for the Phoenix Suns star?

It might take until next season before Kevin Durant overtakes Wilt Chamberlain, the next person directly above him. Wilt the Stilt has 31,419 points, and it will take quite a while before he can overcome it.

However, Durantula has always been a prolific scorer. Through his 17 years in the league, he’s averaged 27.3 points a game at an efficient 50% shooting clip. It’s only a matter of time before he inches closer to the top of the list.