Kevin Durant made a triumphant return from injury, delivering a shooting masterclass as the United States launched its defense of the Olympic basketball crown with a commanding 110-84 victory over Serbia on Sunday. Durant, who missed the entire Olympic buildup due to a calf injury, showcased his brilliance by shooting a near-perfect 8-of-9 from the field, contributing 23 points in the convincing win for the reigning champions.
The 35-year-old Phoenix Suns star, the all-time leader for the USA in points, points-per-game, and field goals, entered the game in the first quarter with the star-studded American lineup trailing 19-14. The 14-time NBA All-Star, a member of the USA’s gold medal-winning Olympic teams in 2012, 2016, and Tokyo three years ago, took over the game, raining in a succession of buckets to get the Americans back on track.
LeBron James provided scoring support with 21 points, Jrue Holiday added 15 points, and Devin Booker finished with 12. Denver star Nikola Jokic led the Serbia scoring with 20 points.
The USA, the overwhelming favorite for the Olympic crown, arrived in France with a squad featuring a galaxy of NBA stars, led by James, Durant, and Stephen Curry. The team faces South Sudan in its second group game on Wednesday before concluding the first round in Lille against Puerto Rico next Saturday.
Based on Sunday’s performance, Golden State coach Steve Kerr’s squad will be a force to be reckoned with as the 12-team tournament moves to Paris for the knockout rounds on August 6. Serbia, led by three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Jokic, made a fast start in Sunday’s clash at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, sprinting into an early 10-2 lead. However, Durant’s arrival from the bench galvanized the US lineup, and once the Americans found their shooting touch, the result was never in doubt.
Durant was welcomed into the game with a blatant body check by Vasilije Micic, sending the 6ft 11in (2.11m) 35-year-old sprawling to the hardwood. Despite the physicality, Durant remained unfazed and tormented the Europeans with an exhibition of flawless shooting to help the USA pull clear 25-20 at the end of the first quarter. Durant sealed the second quarter with a superb jump shot, leaving the Americans up 58-49 at the break. The champions never relinquished their grip on the game thereafter as they motored to victory.
