Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant has the ultimate respect for Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, and he didn't hide that admiration amid their NBA Playoffs battle.

On Wednesday during a media huddle, Durant spoke in length about Leonard and why he has nothing but respect for the Clippers leader. KD cited Kawhi's work ethic and successful history as things that really stand out to him whenever he sees Leonard.

While Kawhi Leonard has been often criticized for his load management antics that often frustrate fans, Kevin Durant clearly sees past that. As everyone knows, the Clippers star is really one of the best big-stage players in the NBA. Who could forget how he led the Toronto Raptors to the 2019 NBA Championship over Durant and his Golden State Warriors at the time?

Leonard has also proven to be a huge thorn on the side of the Suns in the 2023 NBA Playoffs. In Game 1, he exploded for 38 points and even banked two straight triples and assisted on another in crunch time to allow the Clippers to pull away. In Game 2, he dropped 31 points, seven rebounds and eight assists despite their loss as Phoenix tied the series 1-1.

With that said, it's easy to see where Durant is coming from in his praise of Leonard. The Clippers leader continues to prove that he's one of the best playoff performers in the game, and Durant and the rest of the world is being reminded of that this postseason.

Hopefully, though, we get to see a KD-Kawhi showdown for a full seven-game series.