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Durant Moves Into Top 5 on NBA's All-Time Scoring List

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, February 1st 2026 at 18:02 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: California, Texas, Wisconsin, New York, Ohio, UNITED STATES

Phoenix, AZ - February 1st, 2026 - Kevin Durant cemented his place amongst the NBA's all-time greats on Saturday night, eclipsing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to move into fifth place on the league's career scoring list. The Phoenix Suns forward scored 31 points against the visiting Orlando Magic, pushing his career total to an impressive 32,292 points. This milestone marks another incredible chapter in the career of a player widely regarded as one of the most offensively gifted in basketball history.

Durant's achievement is particularly noteworthy considering the challenges he's overcome - including a devastating Achilles tendon injury in 2019 that many feared would derail his career. His return to elite form, and subsequent success with both the Brooklyn Nets and now the Suns, speaks volumes about his dedication, work ethic, and unwavering commitment to the game.

As of today, February 1st, 2026, the all-time scoring leaderboard looks significantly different than when Durant surpassed Abdul-Jabbar in 2024. LeBron James continues to reign supreme with a staggering 42,488 points, extending his lead and seemingly unbreakable record. Karl Malone sits in second with 36,928, a distant but respectable second. Kobe Bryant remains a legend at 33,643, and Michael Jordan's 32,292 points now sit just above Durant's current total. The competition at the top has been fierce, with several players making significant gains in recent years.

Durant's scoring prowess extends beyond sheer volume. His combination of size, shooting touch, and ball-handling skills make him virtually unstoppable. He can score from anywhere on the court - driving to the basket, hitting mid-range jumpers, or draining three-pointers with remarkable consistency. His ability to create his own shot, even against double and triple teams, is a key reason why he's become such a prolific scorer.

Since joining the Phoenix Suns in February 2024, Durant has seamlessly integrated into the team's offensive system, averaging an impressive 31.2 points in 187 games. While the Suns haven't yet reached the championship heights many predicted upon his arrival, his presence undeniably elevates their offensive potential. The Suns' commitment to surrounding Durant with complementary pieces, like Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, signals their long-term belief in his ability to lead them to contention.

"It's an incredible honor," Durant stated after the game. "To be mentioned with those guys [LeBron, Malone, Kobe, and Jordan] is something special. It's a testament to a lot of hard work and dedication, and I'm grateful for every minute I've been able to step on the court."

Looking ahead, the question isn't if Durant will continue to climb the scoring ladder, but how far he can go. Given his current trajectory and health, it's reasonable to expect him to surpass Kobe Bryant and even challenge Karl Malone before his career comes to a close. However, surpassing LeBron James appears to be an almost insurmountable task. James' relentless consistency and longevity are extraordinary, and his lead continues to grow with each passing season.

NBA All-Time Scoring List (February 1st, 2026)

1. LeBron James - 42,488
2. Karl Malone - 36,928
3. Kobe Bryant - 33,643
4. Michael Jordan - 32,292
5. Kevin Durant - 32,292
6. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - 32,254

Durant's scoring milestone serves as a reminder of the enduring power of individual brilliance in a team sport. While championships are the ultimate goal, the ability to consistently put points on the board remains a vital ingredient for success. And as Kevin Durant continues to write his legacy, one thing is certain: he's on a trajectory to become one of the most celebrated scorers in NBA history.