- Kevin Durant, initially uncertain to play, delivered an exceptional performance
- LeBron James also teased a triple-double during an outstanding afternoon
Kevin Durant made a remarkable comeback from injury, while LeBron James orchestrated the offense for the USA men’s basketball team as they easily defeated Serbia 110-84 in their first game of the Olympics.
Durant had been sidelined for all of the Americans’ pre-Paris preparatory games due to a calf injury, facing a tight timeline to be ready for Sunday.
However, the Suns star was cleared to play right before the game and exhibited an excellent performance in the first half after coming off the bench, scoring 21 points on an impressive 8-of-8 shooting.
He managed just two additional points in the second half, but that was inconsequential as the USA extended their nine-point halftime lead, with James also contributing a commendable 21 points, along with nine assists and eight rebounds.
Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic scored 20 points with eight assists and five rebounds for Serbia, but his team ultimately fell short against the star-studded USA lineup.
Kevin Durant had an absolutely scorching first half, as he scored 21 points off the bench
LeBron James also had a strong game and finished the game with a near triple-double
Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic contributed 14 points for Serbia in the defeat, while Devin Booker, Jrue Holiday, Stephen Curry, and Anthony Edwards also scored in double figures.
The USA began the game sluggishly, allowing Serbia to take an early 10-2 lead, prompting American coach Steve Kerr to call a timeout.
However, benching Joel Embiid in favor of Anthony Davis sparked a 12-2 run, allowing Team USA to take control when Durant entered late in the first quarter.
Team USA will play against South Sudan on Wednesday.
More updates to come.
