Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) receives a standing ovation from fans as he is recognized for surpassing Wilt Chamberlain's career total points scored during the second half in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Rockers star Kevin Durant passes NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain on all-time list

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Jan 10, 2026 12:51 AM ET

Kevin Durant didn't need to add more to his resume to cement his legendary status, but he did it nonetheless.

On Friday night before the Houston Rockets would eventually lose to the Portland Trail Blazers 111-105, Durant hit a tough three in the third quarter that became one of the monumental shots of his illustrious career.

With that three, Durant moved up on the NBA's all-time scoring list. The future Basketball Hall of Famer passed NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain. Durant is now in sole possession of seventh place on a list full of the top scorers in league history.

Chamberlain finished his career with 31,419, but Durant, who started the night 15 points away, has that mark in the rearview mirror with the rest of this season and likely more years in his career still to go.

KEVIN DURANT PASSES WILT CHAMBERLAIN FOR 7th ON THE ALL-TIME SCORING LIST pic.twitter.com/rcc0DtcwS2
— NBA (@NBA) January 10, 2026

Kevin Durant now has an opponent from his past ahead of him

Next up for Durant after passing Chamberlain is Dirk Nowitzki, a more modern player who he actually faced off against, with 31,560. Then, Michael Jordan has 32,292.

Durant also did it in the midst of a big scoring performance. He finished with 30 points and a double-double, adding 12 rebounds and four assists.

Leading the Rockets in scoring in his debut season with Houston, Durant entered the day averaging 26.1 points per game while shooting 52% from the field. He's been showing off his versatility most of the season as well, adding averages of 5.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists.

Durant even put up 11 assists on Jan. 1 as part of his own New Year's Day celebration.

Despite Durant's greatness and strong play this season, the Rockets are 22-13 and in the middle of the pack as far as playoff positioning in the Western Conference, sitting as the No. 6 seed.

Kevin Durant's overall resume stacks up with the all-time greats

Career resume-wise in addition to where he stands on all-time lists, Durant is a 15-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA first-team selection, four-time Olympic gold medalist, two-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP and the 2014 regular-season MVP.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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