Rockets' Kevin Durant Climbs NBA All-Time Scoring List

NBA stars and analysts react as Durant continues to cement his legacy as one of the greatest scorers in league history.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 7:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant has continued his climb up the NBA's all-time scoring list, tying Kobe Bryant for the fifth most 30-point games in league history and surpassing 32,000 career points. The NBA world has taken notice, with players, analysts, and personalities weighing in on Durant's historic accomplishments and his place among the game's all-time greats.

Why it matters

Durant's scoring exploits have sparked renewed debates about his legacy and where he ranks among the NBA's greatest players. As he continues to cement his status as one of the most prolific scorers in league history, the discussion around his place in the pantheon of NBA superstars will only intensify.

The details

In his latest 40-point outing, Durant tied Kobe Bryant with 431 career 30-point games, trailing only LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, and Karl Malone. He also recently crossed the 32,000-point mark, becoming just the sixth player in NBA history to reach that milestone. Even more remarkably, Durant has recorded 40-point games with five different franchises, showcasing his longevity and adaptability.

  • On February 28, 2026, Durant tied Kobe Bryant for the fifth most 30-point games in NBA history.
  • In recent games, Durant has surpassed the 32,000-point mark, becoming just the sixth player in league history to reach that milestone.

The players

Kevin Durant

A 37-year-old superstar forward for the Houston Rockets who is climbing the NBA's all-time scoring list and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest scorers in league history.

LeBron James

The NBA's all-time leader in 30-point games with 575, a record that Durant is chasing.

Kobe Bryant

The former Los Angeles Lakers star who was previously tied with Durant for the fifth most 30-point games in NBA history.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He will get to 2 when it's all said and done.”

— Isaiah Thomas, Two-time NBA All-Star

“No, he's 2nd because LeBron is in his generation.”

— Nick Wright

“He gone finish top 5 all time.”

— Brandon Jennings, Owner of Tuff Crowd

“We can get specific about who's in and who's out… my question is, who we gonna look at and see at 7 feet tall and 7'6' wingspan, with those ball handlers skills, that shot making ability from long range, from mid range, from the free throw line. I mean, the guy is absolutely spectacular. There's no way around it.”

— Stephen A. Smith

The takeaway

Kevin Durant's continued ascent up the NBA's all-time scoring list has cemented his status as one of the greatest scorers the game has ever seen. As he chases more milestones and records, the debate around his legacy and place among the NBA's all-time greats will only intensify, with players, analysts, and fans weighing in on his remarkable scoring prowess and longevity.