Durant, James Lead USA to Dominant Win Over Serbia
LILLE, France — In an electrifying display of athleticism and skill, Kevin Durant and LeBron James showcased why they are two of the most revered players in basketball history, leading Team USA to a resounding 110-84 victory over Serbia in their inaugural match of the 2024 Olympic Games. This matchup not only marked the beginning of the journey for the American squad but also illustrated the undeniable prowess of its star players.
Durant, known as the "Slim Reaper," reaffirmed his status as the United States’ all-time Olympic scoring leader, displaying a commanding presence that left spectators in awe. Despite missing the entire Olympic exhibition series due to a nagging calf injury sustained in the playoffs, Durant stunned onlookers by scoring 21 points in the first half alone. This performance was pivotal in neutralizing a Serbian team that came out with considerable energy and intensity, spearheaded by the extraordinary three-time and defending NBA MVP, Nikola Jokić.
Head coach Steve Kerr, who has taken on the challenging role of sculpting a cohesive unit from a roster brimming with stars, expressed admiration for Durant’s return: “Maybe more than any player I've ever been around, when he comes back from a long absence, you don't notice it. I mean, he's so skilled, and he just looked like he was in mid-season form after not playing in a real basketball game for a couple of months. Pretty incredible.” Kerr’s comments underscore the respect that Durant commands, not just for his scoring ability but for his uncanny ability to mesh seamlessly with the team dynamic, which has been a hallmark of his illustrious career.
The game began with an unexpected turn, as Team USA's initial lineup, featuring prominent players such as Steph Curry, Joel Embiid, and Jrue Holiday, stumbled out of the gates. Curry, making his Olympic debut, experienced early jitters, inadvertently passing the ball to Serbia’s Aleksa Abramovic, who promptly converted it into the game’s first points. “We're still trying to build our identity around who we are with this 12-man group,” Curry noted, highlighting the growing pains that often accompany the formation of a new team.
As the first quarter unfolded, the formidable Serbian team, known for its rapid-fire offensive style, put the Americans on their heels, forcing them into a series of turnovers and missed opportunities. Kerr's strategy to implement a fast-paced offensive approach clashed with Serbia's relentless tempo, causing early frustrations and a feeling of disarray among the U.S. players.
However, the atmosphere shifted dramatically as Durant hit the court towards the end of the first quarter. His insertion into the game proved to be a game-changing moment. Just 14 seconds after checking in, he calmly drained a three-pointer, a clear signal of his readiness and intent to dominate the game. “If you watch him in practice, everything that he does in practice is game speed,” said James, who also began the game strongly with a powerful breakaway dunk. “So it was no surprise that he comes out and gets right to it. But it’s great to have him on your side.”
Durant's scoring flurry continued, as he seamlessly integrated himself into the flow of the game, ultimately amassing 23 points by the end of the night, shooting with an efficiency that left opponents scrambling. His impactful performance was a testament not only to his individual talent but also to the strategic genius of Kerr, who had aimed to limit his minutes while easing him back into competitive form.
Despite the American team eventually finding its rhythm and settling into a more organized offense, standout moments arose from unexpected corners. Anthony Edwards, a younger talent on the roster, displayed fiery enthusiasm and determination, engaging in an entertaining back-and-forth with a vocal Serbian fan, underscoring the tense atmosphere.
As the game progressed, James muscled his way through defenders, landing crucial baskets and establishing a commanding presence in the paint. He finished the night with impressive stats—21 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds—highlighting his all-around capabilities. His gritty layup that extended the lead to 14 points was symbolic of Team USA's dominance as they began to pull away from their Serbian counterparts.
Serbia, despite their talent, found it challenging to mount a successful counter-attack. Jokić, who led his team with 20 points and 8 assists, is widely regarded for his unique skill set and versatility but could not navigate the American defense alone. The physicality and depth of Team USA’s roster ultimately overwhelmed Serbia, who struggled to find their footing as the game wore on.
With each passing quarter, the United States expanded its lead, showcasing the harmony and chemistry among players—all while building momentum toward their goal of Olympic gold. Kerr reminded his squad of the ultimate objective: “The key — and our guys know this — the key to this whole thing is to put all the NBA stuff in the rearview mirror and just win six games.”
As the victory solidified Team USA's position in the tournament, attention now shifts to the upcoming game against South Sudan, a team that previously posed challenges during the exhibition series. However, with Durant back in action, the Americans appear ready to elevate their play and continue their pursuit of Olympic glory.
In conclusion, the opening game of the 2024 Olympics not only highlighted the exceptional skills of Durant and James but also set the tone for Team USA’s championship hopes. As both veterans led their squad with remarkable performances, fans have much to look forward to in the coming matches, especially with KD proving that he is still one of the game’s greats despite his earlier setback. This Olympic journey is shaping up to be one for the ages.