In a spectacular display of basketball prowess, Kevin Durant and Team USA crushed Serbia 110-84 in their Paris Olympics group-phase clash on Sunday. The overwhelming performance left Australia coach Brian Goorjian in awe, as he praised the Americans’ offensive firepower and depth.
Kevin Durant, who had missed Team USA’s five-game pre-Olympic showcase schedule due to a calf injury, made a triumphant return. The three-time Paris Olympics gold medalist scored a game-high 23 points on an impressive 88.9% shooting in just 17 minutes off the bench. His seamless transition back into competitive play underscored his status as one of the sport’s greatest talents.
LeBron James also delivered a stellar performance, contributing 21 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists while shooting 69.2%. The Americans’ dominance was further highlighted by their ability to neutralize Serbia’s three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, who led his team with 20 points, five rebounds, eight assists, and four steals on 53.3% shooting.
Brian Goorjian’s Take on Team USA’s Dominance:
After the game, Goorjian spoke with ESPN’s Kane Pitman, expressing his admiration for Team USA’s performance. He was particularly impressed by Durant’s offensive brilliance and the overall depth of the American squad.
“Kevin Durant, my God,” Goorjian exclaimed. “You know, what’s been publicized. You look at tonight, [Jayson] Tatum didn’t play, [Joel] Embiid played 10 minutes. They’re that deep. … Serbia or Canada is who everybody here is talking about for [which country] they think could get the silver medal in Paris Olympics, and they dominated [Serbia] today.”
Australian head coach Brian Goorjian attended Team USA’s win over Serbia this evening. Goorjian’s takeaway?
“Kevin Durant. My god….” 😂 pic.twitter.com/KuUdJg63Ka
— Kane Pitman (@KanePitman) July 28, 2024
Goorjian’s comments highlight the formidable nature of Team USA’s roster. The depth and versatility of the team mean that they can rotate players without losing their competitive edge, making them a nightmare for any opponent.
LeBron James and Steph Curry on Team USA’s Depth:
LeBron James echoed Goorjian’s sentiments, emphasizing the team’s ability to rely on different players to carry the offensive load. “Whatever it takes,” James said. “It’s going to be somebody different every day. And we have that type of firepower.”
Steph Curry, Durant’s former teammate with the Golden State Warriors, also praised Durant’s critical role in the victory. “KD was unbelievable in the first half and gave us a huge boost, and our defense in the second half opened the game up,” Curry said.
The Americans’ shooting efficiency was remarkable, with the team hitting 62.3% of their shots and 56.3% from 3-point range. This high level of performance is a testament to the skill and preparation of the players and coaching staff.
Team USA‘s emphatic win over Serbia not only sets the tone for their Olympic campaign but also underscores the continuing evolution of international basketball. While many have argued that the gap between the USA and other basketball-playing nations has narrowed, performances like these remind us of the exceptional talent and depth that the USA can still muster.
Kevin Durant’s return and immediate impact illustrate the importance of having veteran leadership and proven scorers in high-stakes tournaments. His ability to come off the bench and lead all scorers is a luxury that few teams can afford, and it provides a significant psychological advantage.
LeBron James’ and Steph Curry’s comments highlight a critical aspect of Team USA’s strategy: versatility. The ability to have multiple players step up on any given night makes the team unpredictable and extremely difficult to defend. This depth is what sets them apart from other national teams that often rely heavily on one or two star players.
Looking ahead, Team USA’s matchup against South Sudan will be closely watched. Their narrow escape in the exhibition game (101-100) suggests that even the most dominant teams can have off nights. However, with their current form, it’s hard to bet against them maintaining their offensive dominance.
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