In the quiet moments after making history, the greatest players often think not of their own achievement, but of the giants whose shoulders they stood upon.
When Kevin Durant of the Houston Rockets moved past Dallas Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki for sixth place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, the milestone was met not with boastful triumph, but with profound mutual respect between two of the game’s most iconic scorers.
Dirk’s Graceful Salute to a “Pure” Scorer
Dirk Nowitzki, the man whose record was just broken, responded with the class and insight that defined his 21-year career. “Not super happy about him passing me,
” Nowitzki joked, before launching into a sincere tribute. “But no, seriously, to me, he is one of the purest, smoothest scorers the game has ever seen.”
Nowitzki pinpointed the source of Durant’s nearly unguardable game. “A seven footer, basically, which he says he’s not. I think he’s a seven footer with really a two guard’s game,” he observed.
For Nowitzki, another master of the unblockable shot, this was the ultimate compliment. He closed his thoughts with encouragement: “Congrats KD. Keep it going. Move up a couple more spots and keep it up. Good luck.”
Durant’s Heartfelt Homage to an Idol
If Nowitzki’s words were a gracious salute, Kevin Durant’s response was a heartfelt homage. He reflected not on the stats, but on the fierce battles and deep admiration that defined their relationship.
“We have had some real meaningful battles, not just regular season games,” Durant recalled. “There’s times going into a series, I hated Dirk. I’m sure it’s vice versa. And for him to kill us in these series. It’s so demoralizing playing against a player like that.”
This competitive hatred, Durant explained, was rooted in a desire to emulate Nowitzki’s legacy. “I always said I wanted to be that respected. That revered by my teammates, by a city, by media, by everybody who watches the game. I feel like Dirk is the embodiment of that.”
Specifically, Durant credited Nowitzki and his legendary shooting coach, Holger Geschwindner, for changing his perspective on the game.
“I’m very grateful for Dirk, Holger, what they brought to the game. Without them, I wouldn’t have seen the game from this perspective. He means a lot to me.”
The Legacy of the Unblockable Shot
This exchange between two all-time greats highlights a beautiful lineage in basketball. Dirk Nowitzki revolutionized the power forward position with his “fadeaway jumper,” a shot that, at 7 feet tall, was impossible to defend.
Kevin Durant saw that blueprint and expanded it. Taking Nowitzki’s high-release shooting, he combined it with the handles and agility of a guard, creating perhaps the most complete offensive weapon the sport has ever seen.
The moment was less about one player surpassing another and more about the respectful passing of a torch. It was a celebration of skill, longevity, and the enduring impact one legend can have on the next.
As Durant continues his climb, he does so carrying a piece of Dirk Nowitzki with him, a testament to the interconnected legacy of greatness.