Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant. Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Kevin Durant reaches scoring milestone for first time with Rockets

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Feb 27, 2026 12:01 AM ET

It took until Thursday night for Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant to reach a mark he's now reached 73 times in his career.

Durant scored 40 points in Houston's 113-108 win over the Magic in Orlando, achieving his first 40-point game with the Rockets. In typical Durant fashion, his offensive explosion came in an efficient manner.

He shot 50% from the field, connecting on 14-of-28 in 40 minutes of action and also sinking a pair of threes. Durant also added eight rebounds and three assists on the night.

Kevin Durant's last 40-point game came almost one year ago

Durant's first 40 piece as a Rocket became his first such perforce since March 21 of last year — he scored 42 as a member of the Phoenix Suns.

Prior to Thursday, Durant's season-high with Houston was 39 from a Jan. 16 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

KEVIN DURANT.
MASTERCLASS.

40 PTS
8 REB
3 AST
2 STL

His first 40-pt game as a member of the @HoustonRockets! pic.twitter.com/ctuf9t5QSg
— NBA (@NBA) February 27, 2026

On the 2025-26 season, Durant is averaging 26.1 points, 5.4 boards and 4.5 assists per game while shooting 50.8% from the field overall.

Showing signs of kicking his game into gear for the stretch run, Durant has surpassed 30 points in three of his five games back since the All-Star break.

After tying Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most games with at least 35 points in NBA history on Feb. 19, Durant's 40-point game moves him past the Lakers legend into sole possession of sixth place on the league's all-time list. He's one away from Kobe Bryant for fifth.

A deep playoff run would do even more for Kevin Durant's legacy

But Durant is hoping to win more than beef up his individual resume. And with the win, the Rockets are the third seed in the Western Conference at 37-21.

And due to the immense criticism Durant, already a two-time NBA champion and Finals MVP, endured for joining the Warriors in the midst of their dynasty, a deep playoff run with Houston would likely do more for his legacy than where he ranks on any all-time list.

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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