Kevin Durant has officially climbed another rung on the ladder of basketball immortality.
During the Houston Rockets’ 119-110 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night, the 18-year veteran surpassed Dirk Nowitzki to become the sixth-highest scorer in NBA history.
The historic moment came with just 15.2 seconds remaining in the game, when Durant sank a free throw to move past the Mavericks icon. While a free throw secured the record, it was Durant’s signature play earlier in the quarter that set the stage.
With 1:05 left on the clock, he tied Nowitzki’s mark with a smooth, contested fadeaway from the foul line, a shot reminiscent of both legends’ careers. Durant finished the night with 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists.
What makes Durant’s ascent particularly remarkable is the pace at which he has scored. Durant now sits at 31,562 career points achieved in just 1,161 games. In comparison, he reached this milestone in 362 fewer games than it took Nowitzki to set his mark.
Nowitzki tipped his hat to Durant
Nowitzki, a member of the Hall of Fame Class of 2023, was quick to congratulate the man who took his spot in the top six via a recorded message.
“Not super happy about him passing me,” Nowitzki joked.
“No, seriously, to me, he is one of the purest, smoothest scorers the game has ever seen. The shot-making, the off-the-dribble stuff, the off-balance stuff… Congrats, KD! Keep it going. Move up a couple more spots.”
With Nowitzki in the rearview mirror, Durant has his sights set on “His Airness.”Michael Jordan currently holds the fifth spot on the all-time list with 32,292 points.
Durant needs 730 points to overtake Jordan. If he maintains his career averages and stays healthy for at least 65 games this season, he is projected to claim the No. 5 spot before the 2025-26 campaign concludes. Beyond Jordan, the list narrows to the elite four:
4. Kobe Bryant
3. Karl Malone
2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
1. LeBron James
Durant’s future is in Space City
Rockets fans can expect to see much more history made in Houston. Durant is under contract for two more seasons-including a player option for 2027-28, following an extension signed earlier this year.
If he remains healthy and plays out his current deal, analysts project Durant will easily pass Kobe Bryant and could potentially challenge Karl Malone for a spot in the top three.
For now, Durant remains focused on the Rockets’ playoff push, even as he continues to rewrite the NBA record books one jump shot at a time.
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