There’s little to no doubt that Kevin Durant can score the ball against any defender in the NBA. He has shifty handles, an unguardable jumper, and an array of offensive moves to leave defenders lost. But at nearly 7 feet tall, how would he do if he was in the NFL? When he played a friendly game against LeBron James, he mossed the King. He seems to be carrying the same confidence against the NFL’s cornerback Sauce Gardner.

While playing a game of NBA 2K25, Durant and Gardner addressed the question about the Slim Reaper running a successful route against the New York Jets’ pro. To his astonishment, the Suns forward told Gardner he could get the better of him in their very first meeting when Durant was still part of the Nets. Even today, he carries the same opinion for one reason.

“I really think I can. He too short though you know what I’m saying. I mean just toss it up,” Durant said on Boardroom Talks.

To the recently turned 24-year-old, it sounded “crazy.” The 6’3″ cornerback was just touted as the best at his position after all. But as the debate opened, it was only fair that Sauce Gardner was given a shot against Durant in his world. Staying humble though, the “realist” agreed he couldn’t win against the former NBA MVP in a 1 vs 1. Yet, he still gave himself some credit.

“I could score a point easy,” he retaliated against Kevin Durant. Without surprise, the four-time scoring champion stood his ground thinking the Jets star was out of his mind. In Gardner’s defense, he is explosive and naturally strong given his position. He claims to have a secret weapon that most of the elite NBA defenders have failed to counter. “I have the Jamal Crawford layup package,” a notion that Durant seemed to seriously consider.

That’s how the NFL vs. NBA debates go though. The opposition most likely won’t win, but due to the similarities in the physical demands, surprises can’t be ruled out.

Sauce Gardner is a history-maker

If it had been any other cornerback, Kevin Durant could have had a slight chance. Gardner though is simply a different breed altogether. In the three seasons he played for Cincinnati, the 24-year-old didn’t allow a single touchdown to come from his coverage. Did that transfer to the NFL?

As a mere rookie, he got a place in the All-Pro First Team, an honor he would repeat. It was the first time since 1981 that a rookie had earned a place in the team. Furthermore, he has also made Pro-Bowls in both his campaigns with the Nets. At 6’3″ and having a long wingspan, Sauce Gardner isn’t afraid to get physical to keep the men at bay.

In his two completed seasons, only a little over half a passes were completed when the quarterback tried to target his coverage. And he is also dead accurate when he does leap for a tackle. In his rookie season, he only missed 6% of his tackles, according to Pro Football Reference. Hence, despite the overwhelming size advantage, the chances of getting past Sauce Gardner are slim.