Kevin Durant made a powerful statement in his return, scoring 23 points on an impressive 8-of-9 shooting to lead Team USA to a commanding 110-84 victory over Serbia in their first group play game at the Paris Olympics. Despite missing all of the exhibition games leading up to the event, Durant looked unstoppable coming off the bench.
LeBron James, playing in his first Olympics since 2012, also made a significant impact, recording 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists. His performance was reminiscent of his dominant play in London 12 years ago, proving that he’s still a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
Nikola Jokić, the three-time NBA MVP, led Serbia with 20 points and 8 assists, along with 5 rebounds. However, Serbia struggled to keep up with the depth and talent of the USA team. After a closely contested first quarter, Team USA pulled ahead and maintained their lead for the rest of the game.
Team USA’s shooting was phenomenal, with a field goal percentage of 62.3% and an impressive 56.3% from beyond the arc. The movement of players like Devin Booker and Stephen Curry created numerous problems for the Serbian defense, allowing the USA’s perimeter stars to capitalize on their screens and off-ball actions. The front-court rotation of Joel Embiid, Bam Adebayo, and Anthony Davis provided a strong defensive presence, effectively shutting down the paint for most Serbian players outside of Jokić.
Contributions came from all corners of the U.S. roster. Jrue Holiday added 15 points and showcased his on-ball defensive skills. Booker scored 12, while Curry and Anthony Edwards each chipped in 11 points. Edwards brought his signature swagger, challenging Serbian defenders with his aggressive play.
While Durant’s return bolstered Team USA’s offense, it also tightened the rotation. Durant’s stellar performance meant Jayson Tatum, a reigning NBA champion, didn’t see any action in the opening game. Coach Steve Kerr opted for a more defensively minded lineup, featuring Tatum’s Celtics teammates Holiday and Derrick White, alongside James, Durant, Booker, and Davis.
Despite being heavy favorites to win their fourth consecutive gold medal, Team USA’s victory was a strong statement. Serbia, known for its cohesion and team play, was outmatched despite their silver medal finish at last year’s FIBA World Cup and the presence of NBA stars Nikola Jović and Bogdan Bogdanović.
Team USA will face South Sudan next on Wednesday. The two teams met recently, with the USA narrowly securing a 101-100 win on July 20. Follow along for live coverage and updates as the tournament progresses.
