DeMar DeRozan Passes Tim Duncan on NBA Scoring List Despite Kings Loss

Veteran scorer DeMar DeRozan added another milestone to his decorated career Wednesday night, climbing higher on the NBA’s all-time scoring list during a standout performance for the Sacramento Kings. Even after more than a decade in the league, DeRozan continues to prove that his ability to generate points remains among the most reliable offensive weapons in professional basketball.

Entering the game against the Charlotte Hornets, DeRozan was on the verge of a historic achievement. The six-time All-Star began the night with 26,466 career points, leaving him just 30 points shy of passing legendary Tim Duncan on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.

Playing in front of the home crowd at Golden 1 Center, DeRozan wasted little time closing the gap. By the third quarter, he had already built a strong scoring rhythm, attacking the defense with the same midrange mastery that has defined his career.

By the end of the night, DeRozan had not only passed Duncan but done so in emphatic fashion, finishing with 39 points. However, the milestone performance came in a disappointing 117–109 loss for Sacramento.

1. DeRozan Reaches Another Historic Milestone

DeRozan’s climb up the NBA scoring ladder has been built on remarkable consistency. Over the years, the veteran forward has quietly assembled one of the most productive scoring résumés in league history, combining durability with a polished offensive skill set. Wednesday’s milestone moment came late in the third quarter. With less than three minutes remaining in the period, DeRozan knocked down a smooth jumper that pushed his career total beyond Duncan’s mark, officially moving him into 18th place all-time. The achievement placed DeRozan alongside some of the greatest scorers the league has ever seen. While Duncan built his legacy as one of the NBA’s most dominant big men, DeRozan’s rise up the list has come through relentless perimeter scoring and midrange precision. For a player often recognized for his artistry in the midrange game, the moment represented another chapter in a career defined by steady offensive production. Even at 36 years old, DeRozan continues to demonstrate that his scoring ability remains elite.

2. Offensive Brilliance on Display

DeRozan’s performance against Charlotte was not only historic—it was also incredibly efficient. The veteran forward finished the night shooting 17-for-22 from the field, delivering one of the most accurate scoring displays of his season. Much of his success came from the areas of the floor where he has built his reputation. DeRozan repeatedly found space in the midrange, calmly rising over defenders and knocking down jump shots with remarkable consistency. He also made the most of his opportunities at the free-throw line, converting all five of his attempts. The combination of precise shooting and smart shot selection allowed him to dominate offensively throughout the game. By the time the final whistle sounded, DeRozan had accounted for nearly a third of Sacramento’s total points. His performance served as a reminder that, despite the passing years, he remains one of the league’s most dependable scoring threats.

3. Hornets’ Balanced Attack Spoils the Night

Despite DeRozan’s individual brilliance, the Hornets ultimately controlled the game through balanced scoring and strong perimeter shooting. Charlotte had four players score at least 20 points, creating constant pressure on Sacramento’s defense. Leading the way for Charlotte was star guard LaMelo Ball, who finished with 24 points while orchestrating the offense. His playmaking and scoring helped the Hornets maintain their lead during key stretches of the game. Outside shooting also played a decisive role. While the Kings struggled from long range, connecting on just eight of their 25 attempts, the Hornets caught fire from beyond the arc, draining 19 three-pointers on 40 attempts. The loss ended Sacramento’s brief two-game winning streak and dropped the team further down the standings. With a record of 16–51, postseason hopes have long since faded, though DeRozan’s continued production remains a bright spot for the franchise.