Bryant passes hero Jordan's NBA mark

Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant passed Michael Jordan for third on the NBA's career scoring list on Sunday in a 100-94 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Bryant has been chasing Jordan for almost two decades now. He's still one title short of the six Jordan won with the Bulls, but has now caught Jordan in the game's defining individual statistic. Bryant entered the game needing nine points to pass the icon with whom he is often compared. He got the mark with two free throws with 5:24 to play in the second quarter.

"I'm just honored to be here, man, to still be playing," Bryant said. "I appreciate being able to play this long. Careers normally don't last this long. I really appreciate the opportunity to still be out there playing and performing and doing what I do."

Bryant had 32,284 points when he took the floor against the Timberwolves team. He finished the night with 26 points and 32,310 for his career.

It took Bryant 1,269 games to reach the NBA's career scoring podium. Jordan amassed his 32,292 points in 1,039 regular-season games.

Now only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone have scored more points than Bryant.

"I congratulate Kobe on reaching this milestone," Jordan, the owner of the Charlotte Hornets, said. "He's obviously a great player, with a strong work ethic and has an equally strong passion for the game of basketball. I've enjoyed watching his game evolve over the years, and I look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next."

Abdul-Jabbar is still more than 6,000 points ahead of him and in no danger of being caught. The Timberwolves stopped the game, and the crowd gave Bryant a standing ovation as Wolves owner Glen Taylor, the NBA's chairman of the board, presented him with the game ball.

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