Kevin Durant Surpasses Michael Jordan: Aiming for the Top of the Scoring List
Kevin Durant etched his name in history by becoming fifth on the NBA's all-time scoring list, surpassing Michael Jordan during the Houston Rockets' thrilling 123-122 victory over the Miami Heat on Saturday night. Entering the game just 25 points shy of Jordan's 32,292 career total, Durant faced an uphill battle, managing only 11 points in the first half amidst a closely contested matchup. A surge in the third quarter, where he scored 10 points, set the stage for his record-breaking moment. With 4:42 left in the final quarter, Durant hit a crucial 3-pointer to bring his total to 24 points. Moments later, he received an assist from Reed Sheppard and nailed another corner 3-pointer with 3:23 remaining, officially passing Jordan. The Rockets celebrated this milestone with a highlight reel showcasing Durant's impressive career, from his early days with the Seattle SuperSonics to his championship moments with the Golden State Warriors. Reflecting on this achievement, Durant expressed his admiration for Jordan, calling him the "blueprint" and noting the profound impact these legends have had on his journey. Having already surpassed Wilt Chamberlain and Dirk Nowitzki this season, Durant acknowledged the significance of this moment but humorously noted he still has "four more to go" on the scoring list, with Kobe Bryant next in line, 1,349 points ahead. At 37 years old, Durant continues to perform at an All-Star level, averaging over 25 points per game. His longevity in the league will determine how high he can climb on the scoring list. Durant has not set a retirement timeline, expressing a desire to keep playing as long as he enjoys the game. If he maintains his current scoring pace, he could surpass Bryant next season and potentially reach as high as second place by the time he retires. However, overtaking LeBron James remains a daunting challenge, requiring several more seasons of elite performance.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-03-22