Kevin Durant climbed to sixth on the NBA career scoring list, the Los Angeles Lakers stopped their slump, and Ja Morant returned in style as a busy Sunday schedule featured the Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic all on court across two continents.
The Lakers produced a controlled response at home, beating the Toronto Raptors 110-93 to halt a poor run. Luka Doncic and DeAndre Ayton each scored 25 points, while LeBron James added 24 as Los Angeles moved to 25-16 and stayed alongside the Phoenix Suns in the Pacific Division race.
Doncic returned after missing the 132-116 defeat against the Portland Trail Blazers with left groin soreness and hit five three-pointers with seven assists. Ayton dominated inside, going 10 of 10 from the field
and collecting 13 rebounds, while James also delivered seven assists in a balanced Lakers performance.
Toronto slipped to 25-19 after losing for the third time in four games. Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 22 points and nine rebounds, Sandro Mamukelashvili contributed 20 from the bench, and Brandon Ingram posted 19 points, seven assists, six rebounds and three steals as the early-season momentum continued to slow.
In Houston, Durant reached another individual landmark during the Rockets’ 119-110 success over the New Orleans Pelicans. The 37-year-old entered needing 17 points to pass Dirk Nowitzki’s 31,560 career total, and finished with 18, moving to 31,562 after two free throws with 15 seconds remaining.
"To be up there with Dirk, somebody I looked up to, I idolised, I competed against," Durant said. "We had some great battles. He always was supportive of my career and my game. So, you know to be up there with a legend like that, its just insane. And be right under Michael Jordan, its crazy man. I want to continue to keep stacking, keep climbing up the charts, just see how I finish. Its been amazing so far. "
The updated scoring list now shows Michael Jordan fifth on 32,292 points, followed by Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and leader LeBron James, who stands at 42,7XX. Durant’s rise past Nowitzki confirms another shift among the league’s historic scorers.
| Rank | Player | Career points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LeBron James | 42,7XX |
| 2 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | 38,387 |
| 3 | Karl Malone | 36,928 |
| 4 | Kobe Bryant | 33,643 |
| 5 | Michael Jordan | 32,292 |
| 6 | Kevin Durant | 31,562 |
| 7 | Dirk Nowitzki | 31,560 |
Houston’s win also featured strong support around Durant. Jabari Smith Jr. delivered a season-best 32 points and a personal high of seven three-pointers, Alperen Sengun scored 21 while matching a career mark with five steals, and Amen Thompson added 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists as the Rockets moved to 25-15 with a third win in four games.
The Pelicans, now 10-35 and bottom of the NBA standings, dropped for the 13th time in 15 outings despite 21 points from Trey Murphy and 20 from Zion Williamson. New Orleans stayed competitive late but could not overcome Houston’s offensive spread and Durant’s late free throws.
Legacy in motion Kevin Durant has officially moved to 6th overall on the @NBA All-Time Scoring list!@KDTrey5 | #AllFire pic.twitter.com/c8luXzKyMzHouston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) January 19, 2026
Morant return and London showcase complete notable NBA results
Across the Atlantic in London, Morant guided the Memphis Grizzlies to a 126-109 victory over the Orlando Magic in the second leg of their European doubleheader. Morant, back after six games out with a right calf contusion and amid trade rumours, posted 24 points and 13 assists.
Morant had 20 points and 10 assists by half-time, sparking a blistering start that saw Memphis lead by 33 midway through the second quarter. Jock Landale came off the bench for 21 points and eight rebounds, while Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 17 points as the Grizzlies improved to 18-23 and gained revenge for Thursday’s 118-111 defeat in Berlin.
Orlando, leaders of the Southeast Division at 23-19, were led by Anthony Black’s 19 points, with Wendell Carter Jr. adding 18 points and seven rebounds. The Magic struggled to match Memphis’ early intensity but remained competitive after the interval as the margin narrowed from the first-half surge.
ission Sorted. London Dub Secured 🇬🇧 Back in front of Grizz Nation on Wednesday https://t.co/w6SFyhdHqP pic.twitter.com/rABeVlenmyMemphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) January 18, 2026
The night’s action delivered a mix of milestones and momentum shifts, with Durant rising on the career scoring chart, the Lakers steadying their form, and Morant lifting Memphis in London, as teams across the league continued to shape positions and storylines heading into the heart of the season.
