Kevin Durant moved past Michael Jordan on Saturday night. Then he shrugged and looked ahead.
“Four more to go,” Durant told reporters with a smile after scoring 27 points in the Rockets’ win over Miami, pushing his career total to 32,294 and into fifth place all-time.
The moment came late. Durant buried back-to-back threes from the right corner, the second putting him over Jordan. Brief arms raised. Crowd on its feet. Then back to work.
That part fits. Durant is in year 19 and still producing. He already passed Wilt Chamberlain and Dirk Nowitzki earlier this season. Next up is Kobe Bryant at No. 4.
He knows the list. He just doesn’t live in it.
“It’s cool,” Durant said. “But I’ve got to get up and come to work tomorrow.”
That has basically been the theme of his career.
There was still a game to finish, too. Durant missed a potential winner in the final seconds, but Amen Thompson tipped it in to give Houston the victory.
Afterward, the Rockets played a tribute video. Teammates took it in. Coach Ime Udoka made sure it was recognized.
Durant kept it simple. Passing Jordan matters to everyone else. For him, it is just the next stop.
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