Kevin Durant, the Houston Rockets forward, ascended to sixth place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list by eclipsing his idol Dirk Nowitzki in a 119-110 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night. This achievement adds another highlight to Durant’s storied career, solidifying his status among basketball’s greatest scorers.
During the game, Durant needed 17 points to surpass Nowitzki’s total of 31,560 points. He secured the milestone with a free throw in the final seconds, finishing with 18 points for the night. The moment was marked by applause from the home crowd and recognition from his teammates, who praised his consistent excellence. Durant’s climb up the scoring ranks has been a steady process, with this latest feat following his recent passing of Wilt Chamberlain for seventh place.
After the game, Durant expressed his admiration for Nowitzki, calling him a legend and reflecting on their competitive history. “To be up there with Dirk, somebody I looked up to, I idolized, I competed against—it’s just insane,” Durant said. He recalled their intense battles in the Western Conference finals over a decade ago, highlighting Nowitzki’s influence on his own development as a player.
Nowitzki, who retired in 2019 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023, responded with a heartfelt video message played at the arena. In it, he congratulated Durant, describing him as “one of the purest scorers this game has ever seen.” The gesture underscored the mutual respect between the two stars, with Durant appreciating Nowitzki’s humility and support throughout his career.
Statistically, Durant reached 31,562 career points in 1,161 games, achieving this total in 362 fewer games than Nowitzki. His scoring efficiency and longevity have been remarkable, with the 37-year-old continuing to perform at an elite level in his 18th NBA season. Durant’s ability to maintain high production while adapting his game has been key to his sustained success.
Looking ahead, Durant is now within striking distance of Michael Jordan, who sits in fifth place with 32,292 points. Based on his current pace, Durant could pass Jordan this season if he remains healthy and active. Beyond that, legends like Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar are on the horizon, with LeBron James at the top of the list.
For the Rockets, Durant’s milestone is a boost as they compete in the Western Conference. His leadership and scoring prowess are central to the team’s strategy, and this achievement reinforces his value on and off the court. Teammates like Jabari Smith Jr. have noted how Durant handles such accomplishments with humility, focusing on team success over individual accolades.
As Durant continues his career, he aims to keep climbing the scoring ladder while contributing to Houston’s playoff aspirations. With two more seasons on his contract, including a player option, he has the opportunity to further cement his legacy. Fans and analysts will watch closely as he pursues the next milestones, celebrating each step in a journey that has inspired generations of basketball enthusiasts.
