Kevin Durant Solidifies MVP Award by Eclipsing Michael Jordan's 25-Point Streak

Kevin Durant is slowly working his way toward being known as one of the greatest current players in the NBA.

While he's still in a battle with players like LeBron James for the status of top player, he's setting records that not even Michael Jordan achieved with his recent play, as Royce Young of CBSSports.com notes:

NBA.com also reported the news on Twitter:

NBA on ESPN provides a look at where Durant's streak puts him on the all-time list: 

When Durant tied the record on Saturday, he did so in a loss against the Houston Rockets. Rather than gloating about the achievement, Durant was incensed about the dropping the game to former teammate James Harden, telling The Associated Press (h/t SI.com), "We lost the game that's all I'm worried about. I don't care. We lost."

The record-clinching points came on an emphatic dunk against the Phoenix Suns to put the Oklahoma City Thunder up in the fourth quarter in yet another loss.

That type of attitude toward the game is exactly what makes Durant great. Yes, he's heaved up more shots than James on the year, but he's been selfless for an Oklahoma City Thunder franchise that desperately needed him to step up even more this season.

With Russell Westbrook hampered by knee injuries all season, Durant has put the team on his back and carried the Thunder to the second-best record in the West. 

After putting together one of the most impressive offensive streaks in NBA history, Durant might have already clinched the MVP trophy for the 2013-14 season, according to Magic Johnson and Young:

But all of that hard work in the regular season could go to waste if the Thunder don't finish the season strong and put together another playoff run. With the strength of the Western Conference including the San Antonio Spurs, who recently ended a streak of their own against Oklahoma City, getting through that gauntlet will be a laborious task.

Being the MVP is one thing, but challenging teams like the Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Clippers and others will take much more than just Durant's scoring.

Even as the best player in the league, Durant will need a healthy Westbrook to truly compete in the West. With just a few games remaining on the slate, continuing the streak into the playoffs could propel the Thunder to the NBA Finals.

Follow R. Cory Smith on Twitter.