In a historic moment for the National Basketball Association (NBA), veteran superstar Kevin Durant climbed another rung on the league's all-time scoring ladder, surpassing the legendary Wilt Chamberlain.
A Historic Three-Pointer Seals the Deal
The milestone was achieved on Saturday, January 10, 2026 (Philippine Time), during a regular-season game between the Houston Rockets and the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center. Needing 15 points entering the contest to overtake Chamberlain's total of 31,419 points, Durant secured his place in history with a signature three-pointer. The shot came with 7:57 remaining in the third quarter, pushing his career total to 31,422 points and officially moving him into seventh place.
This remarkable achievement places the 37-year-old Durant directly behind another iconic forward, Dirk Nowitzki, who occupies the sixth spot with 31,560 career points. Now in his 18th NBA season and a 15-time All-Star, Durant showcased his all-around game on the same night, also reaching the significant personal milestone of 8,000 career rebounds.
Coaches Laud Durant's Legendary Work Ethic
The reaction from those who have witnessed his career was one of admiration, but not surprise. Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka highlighted the dedication behind the achievement. "No, it doesn't amaze me when you see the work ethic and what he does on a day-to-day basis," Udoka stated, attributing the historic feat to Durant's relentless commitment.
Portland Trail Blazers coach Tiago Splitter shared his perspective, recalling Durant's early dominance. "Just a young Kevin Durant, scoring 30 every night, and he just keeps doing that, which is amazing," Splitter reflected. "At his age, of course, he's probably at the end of his career, but just doing that every night is just impressive."
A Warm Ovation for a Scoring Legend
The significance of the moment was not lost on the fans in attendance. When the historic milestone was announced to the crowd inside the Moda Center, Durant was met with a rapturous and warm standing ovation, acknowledging his latest accomplishment in a first-ballot Hall of Fame career. As the 2025-26 season progresses, all eyes will be on Durant as he sets his sights on the next name above him on the prestigious scoring list.
