No one knew if Kevin Durant would be healthy enough to play in Team USA’s 2024 Summer Olympics opener against Serbia on Sunday after missing all five exhibition games because of a calf injury.
Even if Durant could go, it was hard to tell how many minutes he could play, what kind of offensive rhythm he would have, and how quickly he could mesh with his new star teammates after missing critical reps in exhibition play.
But this is Durant we are talking about. Team USA’s all-time leading scorer in Olympic play. The same player who poured in 30 points when he led the Americans to gold over Serbia in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. A man who is objectively one of the greatest of ever grace the hardwood.
One day before Sunday’s matchup inside Paris’ Pierre Mauroy Stadium, head coach Steve Kerr told reporters he was “confident” all 12 players on the roster would be available. USA Basketball announced that Durant would be available shortly before tip-off, and in his fourth Olympic debut, the three-time gold medalist did exactly what he does best without skipping a beat.
The 35-year-old forward checked in for the first time with 2:33 left in the first quarter after Team USA fell behind, 19-14. His presence was felt immediately, as the Americans went on an 11-1 run to take a 25-20 lead into the second quarter. And because of his otherworldly shot-making ability — and outstanding play by flag bearer LeBron James — the American’s built on their lead and never looked back.
Durant was nearly perfect in Team USA’s 110-84 win, finishing with 23 points on 8-of-9 shooting in just under 17 minutes, but his flawless offensive start against Serbia is what the world will remember. He went 8-of-8 from the field and 5-of-5 from 3-point range in the first half, getting to his spots effortlessly and shooting over Serbian defenders like they were chairs.
The Americans went undefeated in exhibition play, but close calls against Australia, South Sudan and Germany gave off a sense of vulnerability. The international talent pool is deeper than it has ever been. Gold matters, and countries around the world entered these Olympics more confident than ever in their chances to somehow snatch the throne.
But talent and depth are paramount in international play and the Americans once again proved why they are unrivaled in both. Durant set the table, but James, at 39 years old, finished with 21 points, seven rebounds and nine assists in the win. Stephen Curry, Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker and Jrue Holiday were double-figure scorers, too, and Team USA shot 56% from deep.
Team USA lost its opener four years ago in Tokyo. Exhibition play was rough, so of course there were lingering doubts. But Kerr, a four-time NBA champion, got the most out of his stars when it mattered on Sunday. Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton did not play. Joel Embiid was far from his best. Yet the Americans won by 26 points anyway.
That is an unsettling thought for the rest of the world.
The Americans will face a confident South Sudan team on Wednesday with a chance to start 2-0 in Olympic group play.
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