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Kevin Durant reacts after passing Dirk Nowitzki on NBA all-time scoring list
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- Kevin Durant reacts after passing Dirk Nowitzki on NBA all-time scoring list
Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images
Kevin Durant reached another milestone in his legendary career on Sunday, moving past Dirk Nowitzki on the NBA's all-time scoring list.
The Houston Rockets star achieved the feat during his team's clash with the New Orleans Pelicans , further cementing his place among the game's greatest scorers.
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Durant's achievement lifted him into sixth place all-time, adding another highlight to a career defined by consistency, longevity, and elite skill.
After the game, he reflected on the moment with humility and admiration for Nowitzki, one of the players he grew up idolizing.
It marked another reminder of how Durant continues to set new standards deep into his 17th NBA season, as he now closes in on some of basketball's most iconic names.
Kevin Durant reflects on passing Dirk Nowitzki
Durant spoke with deep respect for Dirk Nowitzki after surpassing the Dallas Mavericks legend on the NBA's scoring charts.
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"To be up there with Dirk, somebody I looked up to, I idolized, I competed against, is an honor," Durant said.
Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images
"We had some great battles. He was always 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."
Nowitzki retired with 31,560 career points after spending his entire career in Dallas, where he became one of the most influential scorers in modern basketball.
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Durant's total of 31,562 now moves him ahead of Nowitzki and just behind Jordan, who sits fifth with 32,292.
Kevin Durant sets sights on catching Michael Jordan
With Michael Jordan next on the list, Durant now has a clear goal in sight.
The gap of 730 points could be closed as early as next season if the 37-year-old continues at his current scoring pace, which would move him into the top five all-time.
Passing Jordan would place Durant among LeBron James , Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, and Kobe Bryant , a group that represents the absolute peak of NBA history.
For Durant, though, the chase is about more than numbers. His skill and adaptability have made him one of the most complete scorers in basketball.
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Even after 17 seasons, he remains driven by improvement and competition, continuing to push boundaries every time he steps on the court.
