Kevin Durant Surpasses Jamal Crawford for 12th All-Time in Three-Pointers
In a quiet but significant moment in NBA history, Kevin Durant has officially moved past Jamal Crawford for 12th place on the league’s all-time three-pointers made list. For a player often celebrated for his midrange mastery, footwork, and scoring versatility, this milestone is a powerful reminder that Durant is not just a scorer—he is one of the most prolific shooters the game has ever seen.
Durant now sits at 2,222 career three-pointers, edging past Crawford’s 2,221 and inching closer to the top 10 in NBA history. It’s a subtle shift on the leaderboard, but one that carries weight. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about legacy, longevity, and the evolution of a player who has redefined what a 7-foot scorer can do from deep.
The Unlikely Three-Point Assassin
When we think of the NBA’s all-time great shooters, names like Stephen Curry, Ray Allen, Reggie Miller, and Klay Thompson dominate the conversation. Durant is rarely the first name that comes to mind, and that’s part of what makes this achievement so fascinating.
Durant has never been a volume chucker. He’s not the type to launch 12 threes a night just for the sake of it. His shot selection is surgical, his release is smooth, and his range is limitless. He doesn’t need to dominate the three-point leaderboard to prove he belongs among the elite shooters. But the fact that he’s now 12th all-time, and closing in on the top 10, speaks volumes about his consistency and efficiency over 18 NBA seasons.
What’s even more impressive is that Durant has done this while being one of the most complete scorers in basketball history. He can score from anywhere—post-ups, pick-and-rolls, isolation, transition, and of course, from deep. His ability to stretch the floor without sacrificing his inside game has made him a nightmare matchup for decades.
The Climb Up the All-Time List
Durant’s journey up the three-pointers list has been steady, not explosive. He’s not chasing records in a single season like some of his peers. Instead, he’s accumulated threes through sustained excellence, year after year.
To pass Crawford, Durant needed just four three-pointers. That small gap highlights how close he’s been to this milestone for weeks. Now that he’s in 12th, the next target is Jason Terry at 2,282. Durant is about 60 threes away from that spot, and once he passes Terry, he’ll be just nine threes from overtaking Vince Carter for 10th place.
If Durant stays healthy and continues at his current pace, cracking the top 10 in three-pointers made is not just possible—it’s likely. That would put him in the same company as some of the most iconic shooters in NBA history, a group that includes legends like Paul Pierce, Kyle Lowry, and eventually, the all-time greats at the very top.
More Than Just Threes: Durant’s Scoring Legacy
While the three-point milestone is eye-catching, it’s just one piece of Durant’s larger scoring legacy. He’s a four-time NBA scoring champion, a two-time NBA champion, and a two-time Finals MVP. His career scoring average of 27.2 points per game ranks sixth all-time, a testament to his sustained dominance.
Durant has only averaged fewer than 25 points per game twice in his career—once as a rookie and once in his current season with the Houston Rockets. That consistency is rare. Most elite scorers see their numbers dip as they age, but Durant has maintained his elite level of production well into his late 30s.
His ability to score efficiently from deep only enhances his overall value. He’s not just a volume scorer; he’s a high-efficiency scorer who can punish defenses from anywhere on the floor. That versatility has made him one of the most feared offensive weapons in NBA history.
The Role of the Three in Durant’s Game
Durant’s three-point shot has evolved over the years. Early in his career, he was known more for his midrange game and ability to get to the rim. As the league shifted toward spacing and perimeter shooting, Durant adapted seamlessly.
He didn’t need to change his identity to fit the modern NBA. Instead, he expanded it. His three-point attempts have increased over time, but never at the expense of his other strengths. He still operates in the midrange, still attacks the basket, and still dominates in the post when needed.
What makes Durant’s three-point shooting so dangerous is that it’s not just about volume—it’s about timing and impact. He can hit a clutch three to close out a game, or he can stretch a defense with his range, creating space for his teammates. His shot is a weapon that changes the geometry of the game.
What This Means for His Legacy
Passing Jamal Crawford for 12th all-time in three-pointers is more than just a stat line update. It’s a symbolic moment in Durant’s career. It reinforces his status as one of the most complete scorers in NBA history—a player who can dominate in every facet of the game.
It also highlights his longevity. To be 12th all-time in three-pointers after 18 seasons, while also ranking among the top 10 in total points scored, is a rare combination. It shows that Durant has not only been great, but consistently great, across multiple eras of the NBA.
As he continues to climb the all-time lists in points, field goals, and now three-pointers, Durant’s case as one of the greatest players of all time only grows stronger. He’s not just a scorer; he’s a historic scorer, one whose impact on the game will be studied for years to come.
The Road Ahead
With Durant now in 12th place on the all-time three-pointers list, the next milestones are clear. Jason Terry at 2,282, then Vince Carter at 2,290, and eventually the top 10. If Durant plays even a few more seasons at a high level, he could realistically challenge for a spot in the top 5.
But beyond the numbers, what matters most is the way Durant continues to play the game. He’s not chasing records for the sake of records. He’s playing to win, to compete, and to leave a lasting mark on the sport.
Every three-pointer he makes now is another step in that journey. Every game is another chapter in a career that has already redefined what a big man can do on the perimeter.
Conclusion
Kevin Durant surpassing Jamal Crawford for 12th all-time in three-pointers is a quiet but powerful moment in NBA history. It’s a reminder that Durant is not just one of the greatest scorers of his generation—he’s one of the greatest shooters, too.
As he continues to climb the all-time lists, his legacy grows richer. He’s already a champion, a scoring machine, and a Hall of Famer in waiting. Now, he’s also cementing his place among the NBA’s all-time great shooters.
For fans of the game, this milestone is a chance to appreciate Durant’s brilliance all over again. For the league, it’s another chapter in the story of a player who has changed the way we think about scoring, size, and range in basketball.
