Kevin Durant Overtakes Dirk Nowitzki: NBA's 6th All-Time Scorer

Durant surpasses Nowitzki to claim 6th spot on the NBA's career scoring list

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:06am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting featuring the silhouettes of basketball players in motion, their forms deconstructed into abstract geometric shapes and planes of color, conceptually representing the record-breaking scoring accomplishment of an NBA legend.Kevin Durant's historic scoring achievement is celebrated in a cubist-inspired illustration that captures the dynamic energy of the NBA game.Kingston Today

In a historic moment, NBA superstar Kevin Durant surpassed the legendary Dirk Nowitzki to become the 6th all-time leading scorer in the NBA. Durant, a 15-time All-Star, reached the milestone with a free throw in a game against the Pelicans, cementing his place among the league's all-time greats.

Why it matters

This achievement solidifies Durant's status as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, joining the ranks of players like Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. It also showcases Durant's longevity and consistency as a dominant offensive force over an 18-year career.

The details

Durant entered the game against the Pelicans needing just 17 points to surpass Nowitzki's career total of 31,560 points. He accomplished the feat with 15.2 seconds remaining in the 4th quarter, sinking a free throw to give his team a 119-110 victory. The moment was made even more special by the fact that it happened at home, with Durant feeling the love from the crowd.

  • Durant surpassed Nowitzki's career scoring total on April 10, 2026.
  • Durant has played in the NBA for 18 seasons, establishing himself as one of the league's all-time great scorers.

The players

Kevin Durant

A 15-time NBA All-Star and one of the league's all-time great scorers, Durant has played in the NBA for 18 seasons.

Dirk Nowitzki

A legendary NBA player who was known for his scoring prowess and is considered one of the best power forwards in league history.

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What they’re saying

“He's one of the purest scorers the league has ever seen.”

— Dirk Nowitzki

“I'm thankful for the fans and their support throughout my career.”

— Kevin Durant

What’s next

Durant now sets his sights on the next milestone: catching up to Michael Jordan, who sits at 5th on the list with 32,292 points. With Durant's consistency and skill, it's a matter of 'when' rather than 'if' he achieves this goal.

The takeaway

This record-breaking achievement by Kevin Durant solidifies his status as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, joining the ranks of legends like Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. His humility and appreciation for the game and his fans further cement his legacy as a true basketball icon.