The NBA has always been a hotbed for epic rivalries, and one of the most intriguing matchups was Carmelo Anthony and a young Kevin Durant back in the late 2000s. Both were stars, fighting to score titles while cementing their legacies. But beyond the competition, the duo had mutual respect for each other’s game. That’s why it came as a surprise when Durant, during a discussion on his top five “Pure Hoopers,” made a decision that caught many off guard.

Durant’s decision to leave Melo off his top five “Pure Hoopers” list shocked many, especially considering their history. A clip from ‘Out The Mud’ podcast featuring Durant went viral. In the clip, KD was asked to name his top five “Pure Hoopers,” a challenge that had him visibly struggling. “I’m gonna leave out a lot of dudes. But if I’m gonna go five off top cuz you just put me on a spot like that,” KD started. Without much hesitation, he locked in Kyrie Irving at the point guard spot.

As Durant debated who deserved the coveted shooting guard position, he found himself torn between Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. “It’s a debate between Kobe and MJ at my two,” KD said. “I’m gonna go Kobe at my two,” he decided after deliberating.

Durant then shocked fans with his next pick. Initially choosing Carmelo Anthony for his small forward position, he quickly swapped him out for Tracy McGrady. “I’m gonna go Melo at my three—No, I’m gonna go T-Mac at my three,” KD declared. His lineup wrapped up with himself at power forward and Kevin Garnett rounding out the center spot.

Despite their bond, Melo likely wouldn’t take kindly to being left off the list. As he once humbled young KD.

Former NBA star Rudy Gay once revealed how Melo earned KD’s respect early in his career, recalling Durant’s rookie year. “I remember KD was texting me. Cause, like, his rookie year, even before he came to college, he would text me, like, ‘Man, what you think?’… He texted me after he played y’all. He said, ‘Yo, Melo, tough man.’ I said, ‘I told you,’” Gay shared on 7 PM in Brooklyn.

However, this is not the only time Carmelo Anthony got the better of Kevin Durant.

Carmelo Anthony’s scoring title win still irks Kevin Durant

Back in the 2012-13 season, Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant were locked in a heated battle for the NBA scoring title. KD had already snagged three consecutive scoring titles and was gunning for his fourth, which would have tied Michael Jordan’s record. But then Melo swooped in, capturing his first (and only) scoring title.

Years later, the frustration still lingers. During an interview, Durant admitted how much that missed opportunity bothered him. When asked about his career scoring titles, KD responded bluntly: “Four. But it should have been five. Melo took one!” For someone as competitive as Durant, losing out by the smallest margin clearly left a mark.

And what a close call it was. That season, Durant led the league in total points scored with 2,280 compared to Anthony’s 1,920. However, Melo edged him out on average points per game. Playing only 67 games, Melo averaged 28.7, while KD, having suited up for 81 games, ended with a 28.1 average.

Rivalries like this? They’re what makes the NBA unforgettable.