LILLY, France — Kevin Durant is happiest when he’s playing basketball. And when he’s playing basketball, Durant is happiest when he’s thriving for Team USA.
Durant, already the most decorated and successful player in the history of the US national team, added another block to his huge Olympic record with a spectacular performance in the US team’s 110-84 victory over Serbia in Sunday’s crucial group stage game. .
Durant, eligible to play less than an hour into the game after a month with a calf injury, made an immediate and dramatic impact, hitting five of his first eight 3-pointers in a 23-point masterpiece.
Team USA coach Steve Kerr was cautious about bringing Durant back in 2019 after the calf injury that preceded his Achilles tear.
men of @usabasketball In their first game, W #ParisOlympics
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— Team USA (@TeamUSA) July 28, 2024
Kerr was the fifth player in the first quarter as Serbia played well to take a 19-14 lead. It was the fourth time in Durant’s career and the first time in his Team USA career that he came off the bench.
But then, that sweet, trademark shot was put on display in an Olympic stadium again and again, going through the net again and again. Frustrated during his slow recovery, Durant couldn’t help but smile as he watched his star-studded teammates try to find some chemistry, letting go of all his worries.
He hit three-pointer after three, and the Serbian defense, well-coached and generally very focused, committed the cardinal sin that lost Durant. After every shot, Durant’s teammates jumped on the bench because they knew how eager he was to rejoin them.
In the first half, Durant hit another jump shot, this time following a laser beam pass from LeBron James that landed on his back on the American bench.
With Durant on the court, the United States shot an impressive +17 in the first half.
James was more than a supporting player on that play. He served as a counterpoint to Durant’s quick offense throughout the game.
Acting as the primary offensive creator, James has been a great leader for this team. He did what the team needed, whether it was setting up his teammates, looking for transition opportunities or finding his own shot.
James and Durant combined to make their first 14 shots, seven of them from 3-point range, for 35 points. James finished with 21 points, nine assists and six rebounds in a dominant performance that slowly broke down Serbia, a team with gold medal aspirations.
The Americans, who made just 35% of their 3-pointers in their five practice games, were red-hot from the 3-point line with Durant and James leading the way. They made nine of their first 13 attempts and 17 of 30 in the game.
Jrue Holiday was also very effective for the U.S., playing solid perimeter defense, scoring 15 points and slipping into gaps on offense. Devin Booker hit four 3-pointers and scored 12 points.
Nikola Jokic led Serbia with 20 points.