Kevin Durant, Dirk Nowitzki Trade Classy Messages After Rockets Star Moved Up Scoring List

On Sunday night Kevin Durant continued to build an all-time great career résumé by moving up the NBA’s all-time scoring list.

The Rockets superstar entered yesterday’s game against the Pelicans in need of 17 points to pass Dirk Nowitzki for sixth on the scoring list. It took him almost the entire game to get there but he finally did with fewer than 30 seconds remaining in the fourth. Durant lined up at the free throw line and knocked down his first attempt to hit 31,561 career points; Nowitzki finished his illustrious NBA career with 31,560. Everyone in the Houston stands knew what was happening and went wild for KD.

KD PASSES DIRK FOR 6th ON THE ALL-TIME SCORING LIST 🤩 pic.twitter.com/WLTAofswqU
— NBA (@NBA) January 19, 2026

It was a really cool moment for the greatest scorer of his generation. The Rockets made it cooler by preparing a video from Nowitzki himself congratulating Durant on his accomplishment and called the star forward one of the “purest scorers the game has ever seen.”

“Not super happy about him passing me,” Nowitzki joked. “But no, seriously, to me he’s one of the purest, smoothest scorers the game has ever seen. A 7-footer, basically, which he says he’s not but I think he’s a 7-footer with really a two-guard’s game. The shot-making, the off-the-dribble stuff, the off-balance stuff. There’s really nothing you can do to stop him one-on-one. He can always get a great shot up. That’s just how skilled he is, how long he is, how good his release is.

“It’s been incredible to watch his career. Like I said, he’s one of the purest scorers this game has ever seen. So, congrats, KD. Keep it going. Move up a couple more spots. Keep it up. Good luck.”

From one legend to another 🤝

Dirk Nowitzki congratulates Kevin Durant on becoming 𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐥𝐥-𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 in @NBA scoring.@KDTrey5 | #AllFire pic.twitter.com/NPzptdzDRG
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) January 19, 2026

It’s a classy message from the former Mavericks superstar. Whatever rivalry might exist between Dallas and Houston was put aside to celebrate Durant’s career milestone, and he was happy to reflect Nowitzki’s sentiments right back at him.

Durant gave a quick in-arena interview after the final whistle sounded and gave Nowitzki his flowers as a legend of the game.

“Dirk is somebody I look up to, somebody I competed against, I watched daily. I’m just grateful to be amongst the greats.”

Then, speaking to media about his accomplishment at the postgame podium, Durant revealed Nowitzki was one of the stars he “idolized” as a young player. The two clashed in the playoffs on a few occasions and KD said the Hall of Famer was always supportive of his career.

“To be up there with Dirk, like I said earlier, (he’s) somebody I look up to, idolized, competed against. We had some great battles. He was always supportive of my career and my game. To be up there with a legend like that, it’s just insane. To be right underneath Michael Jordan? It’s crazy, man.”

"Without the village, I wouldn't be here."

Kevin Durant shouts out everyone who helped him get to #6 on the all-time scoring list 💯 https://t.co/XoiVse2ZlE pic.twitter.com/TKVPkUnVQZ
— NBA (@NBA) January 19, 2026

The future Hall of Famer also appreciated the video message played during the game.

“For him to take time out of his day to send me a message on passing him on the charts is pretty cool,” said Durant. “It speaks to how humble Dirk is.”

It’s a neat show of respect from two all-time great players. Nowitzki is retired and earned his Hall of Fame induction back in 2023, but Durant is still going strong. He’s now right behind Jordan for fifth on the all-time scoring list.

A night to remember for Durant.

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