Kevin Durant Makes NBA History in Rockets Loss to Timberwolves

Zahid RashidSat, April 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM UTC

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Changing teams is nothing new for Kevin Durant, and his blockbuster trade from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets has only accelerated his place in the annals of NBA history as he added another scoring milestone during Friday night’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Durant is enjoying an impressive season with the Rockets, averaging 25.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. He is shooting 51.8% from the field and 41.4% from three across 77 games, while averaging 36.4 minutes per contest at 37 years old.

This season, he has surpassed NBA legend Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list and recently climbed the league’s all-time free throws made list as well. Now, he has reached a milestone that even LeBron James has not achieved.

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) shoots the ball during the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Toyota Center. Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Early in the first quarter against Minnesota, Durant scored his 2,000th point of the season on a step-back jump shot, becoming the oldest player in NBA history to reach that mark. The previous record was held by Karl Malone, who accomplished the feat at 36 years old during the 1999–2000 season with the Utah Jazz.

Malone finished that season with 2,095 points, and while Durant could still match that total, it would require a 70-plus-point performance in the regular-season finale against the Memphis Grizzlies.

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Durant ended Friday’s game with 33 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and two blocks, shooting 13-of-18 from the field. It marked his 45th game of 25 or more points this season, the most ever by a player in Year 18. Combined, James and Malone recorded only 44 such games in their respective 18th seasons.

Durant was well supported by the Rockets players on Friday, with Amen Thompson leading the team with 41 points and Alperen Sengun adding 22.

However, it was not enough to overcome a balanced Timberwolves performance, as seven players scored in double figures. Terrence Shannon Jr. led the way with 23 points, while Anthony Edwards added 22 in his return from injury, as Minnesota secured a 136–132 victory.

With the loss, Houston dropped to 51–20 on the season and remains fifth in the Western Conference. They will look to finish the season on a high note when they host Memphis on Sunday night.

Related: Kevin Durant Has Blunt Response to Dillon Brooks’ Chatter After Rockets Victory

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Sports”