Solely 5 gamers are actually forward of Kevin Durant on the NBA’s all-time scoring checklist.
The 18-year veteran scorer handed Dirk Nowitzki for the sixth-highest complete in NBA historical past within the Houston Rockets’ 119-110 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night time. Durant moved forward of Nowitzki when he hit a free throw with 15.2 seconds remaining within the sport.
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A free throw might not be too thrilling, however Durant tied Nowitzki with a sometimes easy fadeaway from the foul line with 1:05 left to spice up the Rockets’ result in 116-102. He completed with 18 factors, 6 rebounds and eight assists in Houston’s win.
Durant now has 31,562 profession factors in 1,161 video games. He reached that complete in 362 fewer video games than Nowitzki.
The Corridor of Famer (Class of 2023) congratulated Durant for passing him with a recorded message.
“Not super-happy about him passing me,” Nowitzki joked. “No, critically, to me, he is without doubt one of the purest, smoothest scorers the sport has ever seen. A seven-footer, principally, which he says he is not. I believe he is a seven-footer with actually a two-guard’s sport. The shot-making, the off-the-dribble stuff, the off-balance stuff.”
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“It has been unbelievable to observe his profession,” he added. “Congrats, KD! Hold it going. Transfer up a pair extra spots and stick with it. Good luck.”
Up subsequent on the NBA’s all-time scoring checklist is Michael Jordan with 32,292 factors. If Durant performs to his profession averages and performs 65 or extra video games this season, he ought to get the 730 factors he wants to achieve fifth place on that checklist.
From there, going from fourth to first, are Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James.
Durant is beneath contract for 2 extra seasons, together with a participant choice for 2027-28, after signing an extension earlier than this season. Presuming he stays wholesome and performs out his contract, he ought to move Bryant and will problem Malone among the many NBA’s all-time main scorers.
