Kevin Durant Ties Carmelo Anthony's Record with Clutch Game-Winner vs Pelicans

Kevin Durant delivered 32 points including his 12th career game-winner in the final 10 seconds, tying Carmelo Anthony's mark since 2007-08, securing a vital 107-105 Rockets win over the Pelicans.

Kevin Durant etched his name further into NBA lore on March 13, 2026, tying Carmelo Anthony for the most game-winning shots in the final 10 seconds since entering the league in 2007-08. The Houston Rockets veteran dropped 32 points, including the decisive bucket, in a thrilling 107-105 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, snapping a tight contest that had playoff implications written all over it.

This clutch performance not only propelled the Rockets to victory but also highlighted Durant's enduring elite status at age 37 in the 2025-26 season. With the Western Conference standings tighter than ever on day 135 of the regular season, every win counts toward securing positioning for the postseason push.

As of: March 14, 2026

Alex Rivera, Senior NBA Analyst. Durant's timeless clutch gene reshapes Rockets' trajectory amid Western Conference chaos.

The Clutch Moment That Tied History

In a game that saw the Pelicans' Dejounte Murray erupt for 35 points, Durant countered with a masterful 13-of-24 shooting night, adding 3 three-pointers, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. The Rockets' win came down to the wire, with Amen Thompson's double-double of 23 points and 12 boards providing crucial support, and Reed Sheppard chipping in 18 points off the bench. Durant's game-winner marked his 12th such dagger since 2007-08, matching Anthony's total and underscoring why he's still a top-tier scorer in an era defined by volume shooters.

This wasn't just any win; it kept Houston firmly in the playoff hunt. The Pelicans, clinging to a play-in spot, now face increased pressure as losses mount. For Durant, traded to Houston in recent offseasons, this performance silences doubagers about his age and reinforces his value in high-stakes moments.

Impact on Rockets' Playoff Push

Houston's narrow victory over New Orleans shifts their position in the crowded Western Conference. Coming off this win, the Rockets now eye a direct playoff berth rather than the play-in tournament, with teams like the Clippers on a four-game streak and Timberwolves snapping losses posing threats. Durant's heroics provide momentum heading into a marquee matchup against the Lakers on March 14.

The win exposes vulnerabilities in the Pelicans' defense against elite wings, a risk as they face upcoming games against Spurs and others. For media and betting markets, Durant's consistency boosts Rockets' futures odds, drawing investor interest in a league where star power drives narratives.

Anthony Edwards' Explosive Counterpoint

While Durant made history, Anthony Edwards stole the show elsewhere with 42 points on 13-of-22 shooting, including 4 threes, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists in Minnesota's 127-117 rout of Golden State. This marked Edwards' 10th 40-point game, trailing only Luka Doncic's 11, signaling his MVP candidacy amid the Timberwolves' streak-snapping win.

Edwards' dominance adds pressure on Western guards, with Rudy Gobert's 18 points and 9 rebounds anchoring the paint. This performance solidifies Minnesota as a top seed contender, contrasting Durant's veteran savvy with young-star explosion.

Other Key Results Reshaping the West

The LA Clippers extended their streak to four with a 119-108 win over Chicago, led by Kawhi Leonard's 28 points and Benedict Mathurin's 26. Portland upset Utah 124-114 behind Drew Holiday and Scoot Henderson's 25 each, while Minnesota's win over Warriors highlighted Brandon Podziemski's double-double in defeat.

These results tighten the standings: OKC, Denver, and Clippers jockey for top spots, while bottom-feeders like Jazz and Blazers fight for draft positioning. Injuries remain a wildcard, though no major updates emerged in the last 24 hours.

Eastern Conference Ripples and Knicks Drama

In the East, the Knicks edged Indiana with Jaylen Brunson’s 29 points and Mitchell Robinson's 12 points-22 rebounds double-double, overcoming Jarace Walker's 18 for Pacers. Detroit's three-game streak continued against Memphis, and Toronto snapped losses beating Phoenix behind Brandon Ingram's 36.

Cleveland's 138-105 blowout of Dallas featured Evan Mobley's 29 and Donovan Mitchell's 24, underscoring their dominance. These outcomes affect cross-conference perceptions, with East teams eyeing West chaos for easier playoff paths.

Looking Ahead: March 14 Schedule and Stakes

Today's slate kicks off with 76ers vs Nets at 1 a.m. UTC, followed by Hawks-Bucks, Spurs-Hornets, Celtics-Wizards, Heat-Magic, Lakers-Nuggets, and Clippers-Kings at 10:30 a.m. Key matchups like Lakers-Denver could shift standings further, with Durant’s Rockets watching closely.

Risks include fatigue from streaks and potential injuries; catalysts like Edwards' hot hand or Durant's clutch play could define seeds. For fans and businesses, this volatility fuels engagement, from streaming spikes to merchandise sales tied to star moments.

Durant's record-tying shot isn't just highlight-reel fodder—it's a reminder of his Hall of Fame trajectory, impacting team morale, trade values, and league narratives as the season nears its climax.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only.