Houston Rockets superstar Kevin Durant continues to redefine basketball greatness with his remarkable career.
Durant, the 2014 NBA MVP and 2008 Rookie of the Year, is a 16-time All-Star, four-time scoring champion, and two-time All-Star Game MVP. He won consecutive championships and Finals MVPs with Golden State in 2017 and 2018.
This historic night unfolded on Saturday, when Durant surpassed another significant milestone.
Kevin Durant Reflects on Passing Michael Jordan in NBA All-Time Scoring
In the closely contested victory that evening, Durant scored 27 points as the Rockets edged the Miami Heat 123-122. During the game, he moved past Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
The fourth quarter featured several lead changes before Amen Thompson’s tip-in secured the win at the buzzer. Although the finish was thrilling, Durant’s scoring accomplishment emerged as the main storyline.
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With this, Durant’s 32,294 points now surpass Jordan’s 32,292, placing him just behind LeBron James (43,241), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387), Karl Malone (36,928), and Kobe Bryant (33,643).
“I’ve got more to go baby,” Durant told reporters when asked about the achievement.
Durant is correct that both Malone and Bryant seem in reach for the 37-year-old. He is still playing at an extremely high level, averaging 25.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game while shooting 51.7% from the field.
Durant shared his excitement about joining the ranks of NBA all-time greats.
“MJ is in a world of his own.”
KD on passing Michael Jordan for 5th on the all-time scoring list 👏 https://t.co/M5w4SOMFjb pic.twitter.com/avEfFixhEq
— NBA (@NBA) March 22, 2026
“It is pretty sweet to be in the same category with the greats,” Durant said. “Like I’ve said a lot of these guys have inspired me to come out here and work on my game as much as I can and contribute to a team in a positive way so I’ve been inspired by these players who I’m either close to or passing up.”
Before shifting the spotlight away from his own achievement, Durant also took the opportunity to reflect on what passing Jordan meant to him.
“MJ is in a world of his own,” Durant explained. “He’s on a planet – a galaxy of his own as somebody that I looked up to and respect and basically shaped the game for me.”
While younger players tend to idolize James, Stephen Curry, and Durant, those born in the ’80s saw Jordan as the benchmark. This generational context made sharing a category with Jordan a rare accolade for Durant, and he was clearly grateful.
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“I’m grateful for everybody that invested in me. All my friends, family, teammates, coaches – I couldn’t be here without them.”
Looking ahead, as the Rockets embark on a crucial four-game road trip Monday in Chicago, Durant remains focused on climbing the all-time scoring list and continuing to help his team succeed.
