Kevin Durant has officially moved into sixth place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, surpassing Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki. The milestone marks another highlight in Durant’s distinguished professional basketball career.
Durant achieved the scoring feat during the Houston Rockets’ most recent game. With this achievement, he continues to add to his legacy as one of the league’s most consistent and prolific scorers. Nowitzki, who spent all 21 seasons of his NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks, previously held the sixth spot with 31,560 career points.
A 14-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion, Durant has built his career through efficient scoring, versatility, and longevity. After stints with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, and Brooklyn Nets, he joined the Houston Rockets, where he continues to produce at a high level. His ability to score from anywhere on the court—the perimeter, mid-range, and in the paint—has kept him among the NBA’s elite offensive players for nearly two decades.
In a postgame interview, Durant reflected on the significance of passing Nowitzki, acknowledging the respect he’s always had for the former Mavericks star. “I’ve idolized Dirk, watching him growing up,” Durant said. “He changed the game for big men and for international players coming into the league. To pass someone like him means a lot.”
Dirk Nowitzki, a 2011 NBA champion and the 2007 NBA MVP, retired in 2019 and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023. Known for his signature one-legged fadeaway jumper and trailblazing role as an international star, Nowitzki left a lasting impact on the league.
Durant now sets his sights on the next player ahead of him on the scoring chart. With his current pace and health permitting, further climbs on the all-time list appear likely. The five players still ahead include some of the game’s most iconic names, underscoring the historical significance of Durant’s accomplishment.
This milestone not only cements Durant’s place among the sport’s top scorers but also highlights the sustained excellence that has defined his career.
