In Houston, Kevin Durant added another chapter to an already legendary career. With 18 points in a 119-110 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, the Rockets star passed Dirk Nowitzki on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, moving into sixth place overall.

He needed 17 points to do it, and they came without forcing the issue – as is often the case with Durant. His career total now stands at 31,562 points, two more than Nowitzki’s 31,560, with Michael Jordan sitting ahead of him in fifth place at 32,292.

A pass filled with meaning

The symbolic value of the milestone goes far beyond the numbers. Nowitzki isn’t just an NBA legend, but also one of Durant’s early technical and mental reference points when he entered the league.

Being there with Dirk, someone I’ve always admired, idolized, and played against, is crazy. We had some great battles and he’s always been supportive of my career. Being right below Michael Jordan? That’s insane.

Kevin Durant

Durant didn’t hide his ambition to keep climbing the list:

I want to keep stacking points, keep moving up and see where I end up. So far, it’s been incredible.

Kevin Durant

The battles with Dirk and respect built over time

Among the most significant moments of their crossover, Durant recalled the 2011 Western Conference Finals, when Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks eliminated the Oklahoma City Thunder 4-1 before going on to win the NBA title against Miami. A year later, though, came the payback: the Thunder swept Dallas in the first round.

There were moments when I hated Dirk, and I’m sure it was mutual.

Kevin Durant

Over time, however, admiration took over. Durant has often emphasized how Nowitzki’s example – on and off the court – influenced his approach to life in the league.

I’ve tried to take something from all the greats, but I really learned a lot from Dirk.

Kevin Durant

A milestone reached with ease

As so often with Durant, what stands out is the normalcy with which he reaches outsized achievements. Teammates watch him pass legends with the same calm he brings to any given game.

He’s passing someone pretty much every night. In every category. He reaches historic milestones and doesn’t even seem to notice. He doesn’t chase them – he just plays, and it all happens naturally. He’s the example of what a basketball player should be.

Jabari Smith

Nowitzki’s message and a symbolic passing of the torch

After the game, a special message from Dirk Nowitzki appeared on the big screen.

It’s been incredible to follow his career. He’s one of the purest scorers this game has ever seen. Congratulations, KD. Keep it going and climb a few more spots.

Dirk Nowitzki

Words Durant deeply appreciated:

The fact that he took the time to send me a message says everything about the person Dirk is. It speaks to his humility.

Kevin Durant

Durant keeps climbing quietly, letting the numbers do the talking. Every basket brings him closer to the names that defined NBA history. And if this pace holds, the sense is that he’s far from done rewriting the hierarchy.