Kevin Durant scored 18 points and moved into sixth place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, while Jabari Smith Jr. poured in a season-high 32 to lift the Houston Rockets to a 119-110 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night.
Smith delivered his most efficient outing of the season, shooting 11 of 21 from the field and knocking down a career-high seven 3-pointers. He had 22 points by halftime as Houston built control early and fended off several New Orleans pushes down the stretch. Alperen Sengun added 21 points and eight rebounds, and Amen Thompson chipped in 20 points as the Rockets won for the third time in four games.
Durant’s milestone moment came late. With 15.2 seconds remaining, he went to the free-throw line needing one point to pass Dirk Nowitzki on the NBA’s career scoring list. He calmly sank both attempts, drawing a standing ovation from the Houston crowd. The 15-time All-Star now has 31,562 career points, moving past Nowitzki (31,560) and closing in on Michael Jordan, who sits fifth at 32,292. A video message from Nowitzki congratulating Durant played on the jumbotron after the final buzzer.
Trey Murphy III led New Orleans with 21 points, while Zion Williamson finished with 20 points and six rebounds. Rookie Derik Queen added 15 points for the Pelicans, who dropped their fourth game in five outings and lost for the 13th time in their past 15 games.
Houston suffered a scare in the fourth quarter when center Steven Adams was helped off the floor with an apparent left ankle injury. Adams, who had 10 rebounds and five points, exited with just under 10 minutes remaining.
Up next:
The Pelicans return home to host the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. The Rockets continue their homestand Tuesday against the San Antonio Spurs.
