Houston Rockets wing Kevin Durant moved into sixth place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list on Sunday. KD passed Dirk Nowitzki during Houston’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans. The top six is now LeBron James (1), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (2), Karl Malone (3), Kobe Bryant (4), Michael Jordan (5), and Durant.
“To be up there with Dirk, somebody I looked up to, I idolized, I competed against (is an honor,” Durant said, per ESPN. “We had some great battles. He always was supportive of my career and my game. So, you know to be up there with a legend like that, it’s just insane. And be right under Michael Jordan, it’s crazy man. I want to continue to keep stacking, keep climbing up the charts, just see how I finish. It’s been amazing so far.”
Durant has shown this season that his elite scoring ability remains intact at age 37.
Through 38 games (all starts), Durant has averaged 26.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game, shooting 51.0 percent from the field, 39.3 percent from three, and 88.7 percent from the free-throw line. He logs 36.5 minutes nightly, showcasing his durability with no major injuries reported.
Recent performances include a 39-point outburst against Minnesota on January 16 (11-of-18 shooting, 6-of-8 from deep).
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Durant has faced his former team, the Phoenix Suns, twice this season, averaging 27.0 points in those matchups, including a dramatic game-winning three-pointer on January 5 to secure a 100-97 Rockets victory.
His consistent production has helped Houston stay competitive in the Western Conference.
Featured image via Erik Williams/Imagn Images
