Kevin Durant put on a show during the Phoenix Suns’ 123-112 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday. The two-time NBA champion scored 42 points (17-of-29 from the field) to join LeBron James as the only two players to score 40-plus points in a game against every team in the league.
In the aftermath of his impressive performance, which led the Suns to a third consecutive win, the NBA’s official X account gave Durant a new nickname to sum up his impressive scoring abilities.
Certified bucket-getter. @KDTrey5. https://t.co/1fWVlByhrM pic.twitter.com/hmBLeLTzRi
— NBA (@NBA) March 22, 2025
The Suns remain tied with the Dallas Mavericks for the 10th spot in the West standings.
The Cavaliers entered Friday’s game as an 8.5-point favorite (per ESPN Bet) and were upset by the Suns, who extended their winning streak to three games.
“I mean, this is the best team in the league, record-wise,” Durant said on the win, via Sports Illustrated. “They clinched the playoffs a week ago. So, we know how dominant they been all season, and we were locked in since yesterday on a game plan and trying to come out here and play our best game tonight. So excited about the win.”
The Suns carried high expectations into the 2024-25 NBA season. A couple of weeks away from the end of the regular season, they’re still fighting to secure a play-in spot with the Mavericks. Both teams boast a 34-37 record, and the next games will be crucial to define the last participant in the play-in tournament.
Amid rumors of a potential offseason trade, Durant keeps performing at a high level to try to lead his team to the postseason.