Despite the heartbreaking loss to Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat, Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors took time to reflect on his final duel with one of the greatest players of all time.

In a postgame interview, a reporter reminded Durant that it was his final game with the Heat and Wade — who's hanging up his jersey for good at the end of the season. The former league MVP was startled at first but shared some heartfelt words regardingWade's impact on him as a basketball player.

Per Anthony Slater of the Athletic:

“Such an amazing player, amazing person. Somebody I've been watching since middle school.”

Durant added that given the way Wade's playing this year, it's probably the best performance he's seen from someone who's about to retire. In last possession of the game, Durant played an active part. He even contested Wade's initial shot.

But in his second attempt — which proved to be the game-winner — Durant was clueless as to why the 37-year-old was wide open. Nevertheless, Durant credited the three-time champion for an amazing play.

“I didn't know why he was that open in the 3-point line. But I just tried to get there on the play. He made a tremendous play. I mean, you don't even think of shooting that type of shot to win the game. “

It always feels good when players put their rivalries to the side to praise their foes. It was a sad loss for Durant and the Warriors.

But he put on a class act afterward which is all that matters at the end of the day.