Kevin Durant has made history by surpassing Dirk Nowitzki in the NBA’s all-time scoring rankings. This significant achievement occurred during a recent matchup against the Houston Rockets, where Durant scored a crucial free throw in the fourth quarter. His performance contributed to the team’s victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, finalizing the game at 119-110.
Durant’s Milestone Achievement
In order to pass Nowitzki, Durant needed 17 points. As the game progressed, he reached this milestone by scoring 31,561 points, surpassing Nowitzki’s total of 31,560. The pivotal free throw came with just 15.2 seconds remaining in the game.
Durant’s Reaction
Following the game, Durant expressed his gratitude and admiration for Nowitzki. “It means a lot,” he said in a post-game interview. He acknowledged Nowitzki as a source of inspiration and competition throughout his career. Durant expressed his appreciation for the support he received from fans in attendance.
Tribute from Dirk Nowitzki
In a video tribute, Nowitzki recognized Durant’s skill, referring to him as “one of the purest scorers” in NBA history. He commended Durant for his unguardable style of play, emphasizing the exceptional talent he brings to the court.
All-Time Scoring Rankings
As of now, the all-time scoring leaderboards are as follows:
| Rank | Player | Total Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | 38,387 |
| 2 | Karl Malone | 36,928 |
| 3 | LeBron James | 38,000+ (active) |
| 4 | Joel Embiid | 33,632 |
| 5 | Michael Jordan | 32,292 |
| 6 | Kevin Durant | 31,561 |
| 7 | Dirk Nowitzki | 31,560 |
As Durant continues his career in the NBA, currently in his 18th season, his achievements, including being a 15-time All-Star, solidify his place in basketball history.
