Houston Rockets veteran Kevin Durant created another historic moment in his illustrious career on Sunday night. During a thrilling 119-110 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, Durant scored 18 points to climb past basketball legend Dirk Nowitzki on the NBA's all-time scoring list.
A Milestone Achieved in the Final Seconds
Durant entered the game needing just 17 points to surpass Nowitzki's career total of 31,560 points. The moment arrived with only 15.2 seconds remaining in the contest when Durant calmly sank a free throw, pushing his career total to 31,562 points and securing his place in sixth position on the prestigious scoring list.
Team Effort Behind the Victory
The Rockets delivered an impressive team performance to secure the win. Jabari Smith Jr. led the scoring charge with 32 points, while several teammates made significant contributions. Amen Thompson added 20 points, Alperen Şengün scored 21 points, Trey Murphy III contributed another 21 points, and Zion Williamson finished with 20 points.
Durant's All-Around Impact
At 37 years old and in his 18th NBA season, Durant demonstrated his continued value beyond scoring. He dished out eight assists during the game, showcasing his playmaking abilities alongside his scoring prowess. His performance highlighted why he remains one of basketball's most complete players.
Emotional Reaction to Passing an Idol
After the game, Durant expressed what this achievement meant to him personally. "To be up there with Dirk, somebody I looked up to, I idolized, I competed against... To be up there with a legend like that, it's just insane," Durant said with visible emotion. He acknowledged Nowitzki's influence on his career and the significance of joining him among basketball's scoring elite.
Looking Toward the Next Target
Durant already has his sights set on the next milestone. He mentioned Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan, who sits in fifth place with 32,292 career points. This achievement represents another step in Durant's remarkable journey up the scoring ladder.
Teammate Praise for Durant's Consistency
Rockets teammate Jabari Smith Jr. marveled at Durant's ability to consistently reach new milestones. "He's passing people nightly... he just keeps accomplishing milestones, and he just acts like it's nothing," Smith said, highlighting Durant's humble approach to his historic achievements.
Special Recognition from Nowitzki
The Rockets organization made the moment even more special by playing a congratulatory video message from Dirk Nowitzki himself. The German legend praised Durant, calling him "one of the purest scorers this game has ever seen." Durant expressed deep appreciation for Nowitzki's gesture, noting how meaningful it was that the basketball icon took time to acknowledge his achievement.
Nowitzki remains one of the most beloved figures in NBA history, making Durant's ascent past his scoring total particularly significant. With this achievement, Durant solidifies his place among basketball's greatest scorers while continuing to add to his Hall of Fame legacy.
