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NBA Makes Kevin Durant Announcement During Rockets Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Jan 18, 2026 9:56 PM ET

Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant continues to climb the NBA's all-time scoring list. On Sunday, Durant secured the sixth spot in the scoring list, surpassing former Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki. Before the Rockets took on the New Orleans Pelicans, KD needed 17 points to surpass Nowitzki.

Late in the fourth quarter, Durant already had 16 points, which tied him with the NBA great. The two-time Finals MVP knocked down his first of two free throws with 15.2 seconds left. Fans at the Toyota Center honored him for his career milestone.

During the game, the NBA announced Durant's achievement through a post on X.

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant looks up after a play against the Chicago Bulls at Toyota Center on Jan. 13, 2026.Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

"KD PASSES DIRK FOR 6th ON THE ALL-TIME SCORING LIST " the NBA posted.

KD PASSES DIRK FOR 6th ON THE ALL-TIME SCORING LIST pic.twitter.com/WLTAofswqU
— NBA (@NBA) January 19, 2026

Durant finished with 18 points, six rebounds and eight assists to lead Houston past New Orleans, 119-110. The legend who he surpassed congratulated him by sending a video message, posted on the Rockets' X account.

“Not super happy about him passing me,” Nowitzki joked.

“Seriously, to me, he is one of the purest, smoothest scorers the game has ever seen… It’s been incredible to watch his career.

From one legend to another

Dirk Nowitzki congratulates Kevin Durant on becoming - in @NBA scoring.@KDTrey5 | #AllFire pic.twitter.com/NPzptdzDRG
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) January 19, 2026

“Congrats, KD. Keep it going. Move up a couple more spots and keep it up, good luck!”

The Rockets star now has 31,562 points under his belt. He continues to play at an elite level, despite being in his 18th year in the NBA. The next legend on the scoring list for Durant to surpass is Michael Jordan, who had 32,292 points.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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