Kevin Durant ties Kareem Abdul-Jabbar record on NBA all-time list

Durant is close to matching Kobe Bryant's 30-point game record

Feb. 27, 2026 at 9:55pm

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Kevin Durant scored 35 points in the Houston Rockets' 105-101 win over the Charlotte Hornets, tying Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the sixth-most 30-point games in NBA history with 429. Durant is now just two behind Kobe Bryant for fifth place on the all-time list.

Why it matters

Durant's historic performance highlights his continued dominance as one of the NBA's elite scorers, cementing his place among the league's all-time greats. As he closes in on Kobe Bryant's record, it underscores Durant's remarkable longevity and scoring prowess over his 16-year career.

The details

Durant shot an efficient 14-of-20 from the field, including 2-of-3 from three-point range, while also contributing 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 3 blocks. His defensive effort was just as impressive as his scoring output, showcasing his well-rounded game.

  • On Thursday, February 20, 2026, Durant led the Houston Rockets to a 105-101 win over the Charlotte Hornets.
  • Prior to Thursday's game, Durant's last 30-point performance also came against the Hornets, when he scored 31 points in a 109-99 loss on February 5, 2026.

The players

Kevin Durant

A 37-year-old, 16-time NBA All-Star, two-time NBA champion and Finals MVP who is currently playing for the Houston Rockets. He is one of the league's elite scorers and is now tied for the sixth-most 30-point games in NBA history.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

An NBA legend who holds the record for the most points scored in NBA history. Durant has now tied him for the sixth-most 30-point games in league history.

Kobe Bryant

The late NBA icon who is fifth on the all-time list for most 30-point games. Durant is now just two behind Bryant's record.

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What they’re saying

“We were just trying to come over there and make plays, and I was able to get my hands on a couple basketballs.”

— Kevin Durant

What’s next

Durant will have the opportunity to surpass Kobe Bryant's record for the fifth-most 30-point games in NBA history in the Rockets' upcoming games.

The takeaway

Kevin Durant's historic performance not only highlights his continued excellence as one of the NBA's premier scorers, but also cements his legacy as one of the all-time greats of the game. As he closes in on Kobe Bryant's record, it underscores Durant's remarkable longevity and scoring prowess over his illustrious 16-year career.