Durant's Historic Leap: Durant Surpasses Chamberlain to Become 7th All-Time NBA Scorer
10 January 2026
Durant reaches seventh on NBA all-time scoring list
Durant etched his name in history by passing Wilt Chamberlain, sealing seventh place on the NBA's all-time scoring list.
He scored 30 points as the Houston Rockets fell 111-105 to the Portland Trail Blazers, reaching 31,422 career points and surpassing Chamberlain’s 31,419.
Durant, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, needed 15 points before the game to pass Chamberlain and achieved it with 7:57 left in the third quarter when he drilled a three-pointer that officially put his name in the record books.
He later said that records aren’t his main motivation, posting on X in May 2025 that the joy he feels when the ball goes in the basket is enough for him.
At 37 and in his 18th NBA season, Durant is one of the greatest scorers in the game and could soon become sixth on the all-time list, surpassing Dirk Nowitzki at 31,560 points.
Durant is one of only three active players in the top ten, alongside leader LeBron James (42,601) and James Harden of the Clippers, who recently joined the top ten and is closing in on Shaquille O’Neal at ninth.
This season, Durant is averaging 26.2 points per game, helping Houston reach 22 wins and 13 losses and sit sixth in the Western Conference.
This milestone reinforces Durant’s status as one of the game’s greats, with a career that includes two NBA titles, MVP honors, two Finals MVP awards, and four Olympic gold medals.
Punchline: If points were currency, Durant would be a billionaire with receipts longer than a game night with the popcorn vendor.
Punchline: And if the rim had a Yelp rating, Durant would finally get five stars after tonight’s performance.
