Durant Surpasses Nowitzki on NBA All-Time Scoring List, Moves to Sixth Place
A pivotal free throw in the closing seconds of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans propelled Kevin Durant past Dirk Nowitzki on the NBA’s all-time scoring leaderboard, securing the sixth position for Durant and shifting the German icon to seventh.
Durant achieved the milestone with 15.2 seconds remaining in the Houston Rockets’ 119-110 victory, converting a free throw that brought his career total to 31,562 points. Nowitzki finished his illustrious career with 31,560 points. The achievement marks a significant moment for Durant, who has long admired Nowitzki’s game.
“To be up there with Dirk, someone I looked up to, idolized and competed against – we had some great battles,” Durant said. “He’s always supported me and my career. To be up there with a legend like him is just crazy.”
Nowitzki, anticipating the inevitable, graciously congratulated Durant via a video message displayed on the arena monitors in Houston following the game. “It’s incredible to watch his career,” Nowitzki remarked, adding that he believes Durant is poised to climb even higher in the rankings. Durant acknowledged the gesture, stating, “For him to take the time to share this message with me shows how humble he is.” The 47-year-old Nowitzki was watching another contest in Europe, observing the Orlando Magic’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies in London.
The NBA’s all-time scoring list is currently led by LeBron James, with over 42,700 points, followed by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Michael Jordan holds the fifth position with 32,292 points, placing Durant within striking distance of another legendary figure.
Wagner Brothers See Mixed Results in Orlando Magic’s European Game
In other NBA action, the Orlando Magic suffered a 109-126 defeat against the Memphis Grizzlies following a recent victory in Berlin. Franz Wagner contributed 14 points, while Tristan da Silva added 4 points to the Magic’s total. Notably, world champion Moritz Wagner did not play, with the team citing a precautionary measure. Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 24 points.
