Kevin Durant Passes Michael Jordan for No. 5 on NBA All-Time Scoring List

Kevin Durant achieved a historic milestone on Saturday, March 21, 2026, by officially moving into fifth place on the NBA's all-time scoring list, surpassing Michael Jordan's career total of 32,292 points with his own tally of 32,294 points.

“HOUSTON -- On the night Kevin Durant passed Michael Jordan for fifth on the NBA's career scoring list, the 37-year-old star was already looking ahead”

ESPN

The achievement came during the Houston Rockets' thrilling 123-122 victory over the Miami Heat at the Toyota Center, where Durant scored 27 points in 37 minutes of action.

ESPN

The record-breaking moment occurred in the fourth quarter when Durant sank consecutive three-pointers to ignite the Houston crowd, with the second shot officially moving him past Jordan.

Despite the personal milestone, Durant maintained focus on team success as the game concluded dramatically with Amen Thompson tipping in a Durant miss at the buzzer to secure the Rockets' win.

Durant's ascent to fifth place on the all-time scoring list represents a significant shift in basketball history, placing him among the most exclusive offensive players in league history.

The updated leaderboard now shows only four names remaining ahead of Durant: LeBron James leads all scorers with 43,241 points, followed by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at 38,387, Karl Malone with 36,928, and Kobe Bryant at 33,643.

Jagran Josh

This achievement marks the third time this season Durant has passed a Hall of Famer, having already surpassed Wilt Chamberlain and Dirk Nowitzki earlier in the 2025-26 season.

The move into fifth place also makes Durant one of only two active players on the all-time scoring list, joining LeBron James in an elite group of basketball immortals.

Despite the magnitude of his achievement, Kevin Durant maintained a humble and forward-looking perspective, expressing deep respect for Michael Jordan while acknowledging the honor of being mentioned in the same breath as his idol.

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KHOU

'Four more to go,' Durant said with a smile in the locker room, referring to the legends remaining ahead of him. 'MJ is the standard. He personifies 'god-level', everything I believe in as a basketball player. To be in that same breath is an honor I don't take for granted, but I've still got work to do tomorrow.'

The 37-year-old, 17-year veteran also admitted that it's difficult to fully embrace what this accomplishment means to his career and legacy while still actively competing.

'It's cool, but it's hard to take in when you're still on the journey, when you just care about getting better,' he said. 'I don't ever want to downplay stuff like that, but I've got to get up and come to work tomorrow.'

With Jordan now in his rearview mirror, Kevin Durant's next target on the NBA all-time scoring list is fourth place, currently held by Kobe Bryant with 33,643 points.

Given his current form and production, Durant appears well-positioned to challenge that mark in the near future.

Mundo Deportivo

The 37-year-old forward is averaging 25.7 points per game in his age-37 season and has already scored 1,723 points this year, demonstrating remarkable longevity and efficiency.

Analysts suggest that catching Karl Malone at 36,928 points is realistic if Durant stays healthy for a few more seasons, while Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record at 38,387 would require even greater durability and sustained production into his late 30s.

The gap to LeBron James at the top remains substantial at 10,947 points, making that challenge more distant, though history has shown that writing off Durant's capabilities has rarely proven wise.

The game itself provided dramatic context to Durant's historic achievement, with the Miami Heat pushing the Rockets to the final seconds before falling 123-122.

“Kevin Durant se convirtió este sábado en el quinto máximo anotador de la NBA, al superar los 32”

Mundo Deportivo

The Rockets' victory was secured by a buzzer-beating dunk by Amen Thompson, who finished with 24 points and 18 rebounds after tipping in a Durant miss.

USA Today

Miami's center Bam Adebayo had an impressive performance with 32 points and 21 rebounds, making the Rockets sweat to the end.

The game also marked Durant's continued integration with his new team, as he received an assist from teammate Reed Sheppard on the go-ahead corner three-pointer that helped set up the record-breaking moment.

This achievement adds to Durant's already remarkable career resume, which includes two NBA titles, four scoring championships, and numerous individual accolades, while he continues his quest to climb the all-time scoring ladder in his 19th NBA season.