Kevin Durant Ties Carmelo Anthony with 12th Career Game-Winner in Clutch Rockets Victory Over Pelicans

Kevin Durant delivered 32 points including a game-winning shot in the final 10 seconds, tying Carmelo Anthony's record for most such heroics since 2007-08, as Houston edged New Orleans 107-105 on March 13.

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant etched his name deeper into NBA lore on March 13, 2026, tying Carmelo Anthony for the most game-winning shots in the final 10 seconds since the 2007-08 season. Durant scored 32 points, including the decisive bucket, to secure a 107-105 thriller over the New Orleans Pelicans, a victory that bolsters Houston's grip on a Western Conference playoff spot amid a tightening race.

As of: March 14, 2026

Alex Rivera, Senior NBA Analyst. Durant's clutch mastery reshapes Houston's postseason trajectory.

The Game-Winning Moment

With the score knotted late in the fourth quarter, Durant took over. He finished with 32 points on 13-of-24 shooting, including 3 threes, adding 6 rebounds and 5 assists. This marked his 12th career game-winner in the final 10 seconds, matching Anthony's total and underscoring Durant's unparalleled clutch gene at age 37. Amen Thompson supported with a double-double of 23 points and 12 rebounds, while Reed Sheppard chipped in 18 points. For the Pelicans, Dejounte Murray led with 35 points, but Houston's defense clamped down in crunch time.

Why This Record Tie Matters Now

Durant's heroics come at a pivotal juncture in the 2025-26 season, now on its 135th day. The Rockets, buoyed by this win, solidify their position in the crowded Western Conference standings. Teams like the Clippers (four-game streak), Timberwolves (snapping a three-game skid), and Lakers loom large, with upcoming games including Lakers vs. Nuggets and Clippers vs. Kings on March 14. This victory prevents a slip that could have invited play-in chaos, especially with Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets jostling for top seeds.

Impact on Houston's Playoff Push

Houston's narrow escape highlights their resilience but exposes vulnerabilities. Durant, traded to the Rockets in recent years, has transformed them from lottery dwellers to contenders. His scoring efficiency (shooting over 50% in clutch situations historically) pairs with young talent like Thompson and Sheppard, creating a balanced attack. However, the Pelicans' late push via Murray signals risks if Houston's depth falters. Playoff implications are stark: a top-6 seed avoids the play-in, where one misstep ends seasons.

Durant's Legacy in Context

Tying Melo places Durant among the elite. Since 2007-08, no player matches this clutch tally, per NBA records. At 37, Durant defies age, averaging high-20s in scoring while mentoring Houston's youth. This game echoes his Suns tenure but with higher stakes in Houston's rebuild. Fans and bettors note: Durant's game-winners correlate with +15% win probability boosts in close contests.

Western Conference Ripple Effects

Elsewhere on March 13, Minnesota's Anthony Edwards exploded for 42 points to beat Golden State 127-117, snapping their skid and trailing only Luka Doncic in 40+ games (10 vs. 11). The Clippers extended to four wins over Chicago, Kawhi Leonard's 28 points key. Portland upset Utah, while Toronto's Brandon Ingram dropped 36 vs. Phoenix. These results tighten the West: OKC, Denver, Minnesota vie for No. 1; Houston must hold serve to avoid Clippers or Lakers.

Risks and Next Catalysts for Rockets

Momentum favors Houston, but Durant's workload (32 minutes) raises load management flags with age. Next: March 14 slate includes Lakers-Nuggets rivalry, potentially shifting standings. A Rockets stumble risks play-in vs. hot teams like Detroit (three-game streak). Investor angle: Durant's sustained excellence boosts Rockets' valuation in a league where star power drives media deals.

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