5 Shocking MLK Day Matchups You Can't Afford to Miss—One Will Change Everything!

No. 7 is now No. 6 on the all-time scoring list, as Kevin Durant continues to solidify his legacy in the NBA. On Sunday, January 14, 2024, Durant surpassed Dirk Nowitzki, moving into sixth place on this prestigious list of all-time scorers.

As the NBA celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day today, the league pays tribute not just to the sport, but also to the powerful impact of Dr. King’s message of equality and justice. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the NBA honoring Dr. King on this day, using the platform of basketball to amplify voices and stories that resonate with his vision for a better society.

NBA on MLK Day features a nine-game slate, including four key matchups broadcasted across NBC and Peacock. Fans can look forward to high-stakes games, starting with the Atlanta Hawks hosting the Milwaukee Bucks at 1 PM ET — a fitting tip-off in Dr. King’s hometown.

• Bucks at Hawks (1 PM ET, Peacock)
• Thunder at Cavaliers (2:30 PM ET, NBC/Peacock)
• Mavericks at Knicks (5 PM ET, NBC/Peacock)
• Celtics at Pistons (8 PM ET, NBC/Peacock)

Reflecting on the day’s significance, the NBA aims to drive home Dr. King’s ideals through its games and initiatives. Players across the league will share insights on how his legacy inspires them to advocate for racial, social, and economic justice. The league’s commitment extends beyond the court, with NBA Cares pledging to achieve 100 million hours of community service by 2029 in honor of Dr. King’s centennial birthday.

A Historic Achievement for Kevin Durant

In a noteworthy performance, Kevin Durant continues his ascent in the record books. Just nine days after passing Wilt Chamberlain to take the seventh spot, Durant’s 18-point effort in a 119-110 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans propelled him past Nowitzki’s career total of 31,560 points. Along with his scoring, Durant contributed six rebounds and eight assists in the game, sealing the victory with crucial free throws.

At 35 years old and in his 19th NBA season, Durant is averaging 26.1 points per game while shooting 51% from the field. He is on track to maintain an impressive streak of 14 consecutive seasons averaging over 25 points per game while shooting above 50%. This consistency has made him one of the league's most prolific scorers, with his versatility allowing him to excel from multiple scoring areas on the court.

“To be up there with Dirk, somebody I looked up to, idolized, competed against…it’s just insane,” Durant expressed. “And I’m gonna continue to keep stacking. Keep climbing, and see where I finish.”

Former Maverick Dirk Nowitzki congratulated Durant, calling him “one of the purest, smoothest scorers the game has ever seen.” The mutual respect between the two stars highlights the camaraderie and legacy within the NBA, transcending competition.

Meanwhile, Ja Morant made headlines with his return to the Memphis Grizzlies lineup during the NBA London Game, scoring 24 points and dishing out 13 assists in a commanding 126-109 win over the Orlando Magic. Morant’s electrifying performance helped the Grizzlies secure a decisive victory, demonstrating his importance to the team as they make a push for the playoffs.

Roundup of NBA Highlights

The NBA's MLK Day celebration is further enhanced by the standout performances across the league. Deandre Ayton had a perfect night shooting for the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring 25 points without a miss from the field. The Lakers defeated the Toronto Raptors 110-93, bolstered by a combined 49 points from Luka Dončić and LeBron James.

Meanwhile, Deni Avdija returned from injury to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 117-110 win over the Sacramento Kings, contributing 30 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. The victory marked the Blazers' third consecutive win, showcasing Avdija’s growth this season as he averages career highs across multiple categories.

The Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls also secured important wins, with the Hornets defeating the Denver Nuggets 110-87, largely thanks to Brandon Miller's 23 points. The Bulls rolled past the Brooklyn Nets 124-102, guided by Coby White's impressive shooting performance.

As the NBA turns its attention to the upcoming AWS NBA Rivals Week, starting on Tuesday, January 16, fans can anticipate even more exciting matchups and rivalries. The Spurs will host the Rockets in their 221st regular-season meeting, while the Lakers face off against the Nuggets in a highly anticipated clash between two top teams in the Western Conference.

The celebratory atmosphere of MLK Day intertwines with the thrilling narrative of professional basketball, reminding fans that the game is about more than just scores—it's about unity, community, and the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.