In 2013, Sports Illustrated released its Top 10 players of 2014. It was headlined by LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, Tony Parker, and Russell Westbrook. Like any other list, it sparked debates among basketball diehards.
Players, too, engaged in conversations about who deserved to be among the best of the best. The most heated one featured Kevin Durant and Dwyane Wade, who exchanged barbs on social media.
Wade vs. Durant
Wade took the eighth spot on Sports Illustrated’s list. He deserved it as a vital contributor to the Miami Heat’s consecutive championship victories. The Marquette alum found a way and effectively coexisted with two superstars, leading to significant success.
However, Durant did not fully agree with the ranking. In an interview with CineSport’s Noah Coslov, the University of Texas standout shouted his good friend James Harden should be in the Top 10, who had then quickly made a name for himself as the Houston Rockets’ top player. And when asked who should be booted out, KD did not hesitate and said: “Dwyane Wade.”
Word reached the D-Wade quickly. He took the feud on social media and posted a handwritten note that read: “9-24-13: Kevin Durant said James Harden should replace me in the top 10. Note to self: Make him respect your place in history… again…”
The 13-time All-Star chose his words carefully. The last part of his note was a subtle reminder to Durantula of their 2012 NBA Finals duel when the Heat dominated the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games.
KD did not take Dwyane’s message sitting down. The Washington native clapped back on social media: “Show me don’t tweet me…”
The Heat guard didn’t respond; he wasn’t one to just talk without backing it up. “The Flash’s” silence in the face of the “Slim Reaper’s” comments was his way of saying, “Let’s settle this on the court.”
Hardcourt battle
Their first game after the social media exchange was in January of 2014 when the Heat visited the Thunder. KD was more than ready for Wade as he dropped 33 points, seven rebounds, and five assists en route to a Thunder victory. The 2006 Finals MVP underperformed with 15 points, which was not enough to help the Heat get the W.
The two Titans met again the following month. This time, “The Flash” came prepared and chipped in 24 points, seven rebounds, and 10 assists. While the 6’11” forward had 28 points, it was not enough to beat the scorching Miami squad.
The two faced off in more epic matchups on the court. Despite their social media feud, there was no love lost between them. Ultimately, both legends held a deep respect for one another.