The Houston Rockets outlasted the New Orleans Pelicans 119-110 as Kevin Durant moved into sixth place on the NBA’s career point list on Sunday evening.
Durant had 18 points and surpassed Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki after stepping to the free-throw line needing one point under 15.2 seconds left.
The 15-time All-Star made two free throws and received a standing ovation from the home crowd, as he now has 31,562 career points, next to Michael Jordan in fifth spot with 32,292.
Jabari Smith Jr. dropped a season-high 32 points, while Alperen Sengun had 21 points and eight rebounds, and Amen Thompson finished with 20 points as the Rockets won for the third time in four games.
On the other hand, Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans with 21 points, Zion Williamson had 20 and six rebounds, while Derik Queen finished with 15 points.
New Orleans lost for the fourth time in five games and the 13th time in 15 games.
Meanwhile, Rockets center Steven Adams had to be helped off the court in the fourth quarter with an apparent left ankle injury.
Adams just missed a few games earlier this season with a right ankle injury, dropping 10 rebounds and five points before leaving the game.
After the clash, a special video message was played on the jumbotron with Dirk Nowitzki congratulating Durant.
New Orleans will host the Pistons on Wednesday, while the Rockets host the Spurs on Tuesday.
