LeBron James and Kevin Durant Shine in Olympic Opener
In what could be their final appearances at the Olympics, LeBron James and Kevin Durant put on a masterclass performance for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Games, leading their team to a commanding 110-84 victory over Serbia in the opening game.
The dynamic duo combined for an impressive 44 points on 17-of-22 shooting. James tallied nine assists, eight rebounds, and 21 points, while Durant, coming off the bench, delivered a crucial first-quarter performance that shifted the momentum in favor of Team USA.
Initially trailing by six points in the first quarter, Team USA found themselves in need of a spark. Durant’s entry onto the court turned the tide, as he helped transform the deficit into a five-point lead by the end of the quarter. Durant’s exceptional play continued, ultimately resulting in him and James combining for 33 points on a perfect 13-for-13 shooting in the first half alone.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
Team USA's victory was not solely reliant on James and Durant. Key contributions came from other stars, notably Devin Booker and Jrue Holiday. Booker showcased his shooting prowess, making four of his five attempts from beyond the arc, while Holiday matched his efforts with four three-pointers of his own. Stephen Curry also contributed, making three of his seven attempts from three-point range, and Anthony Edwards was efficient, hitting two of his three shots from deep.
Collectively, Team USA shot an outstanding 62% from the field and 56% from the three-point line, displaying a level of offensive efficiency that left Serbia struggling to keep pace.
Serbia Fails to Keep Up
Despite a strong start, Serbia, led by Nikola Jokic, ultimately fell short. The team’s struggles from beyond the arc were glaring, managing only 9-for-37 three-point shooting. Jokic, a pivotal player for his team, was unable to overcome the scoring barrage and versatile defense presented by Team USA.
Durant's Legacy Cemented
This game saw Durant further solidify his place in the annals of basketball history. As the all-time leading scorer for the USA in international play, Durant’s ability to deliver under pressure was once again on full display. His contributions from the bench were not only timely but essential to securing the win.
Looking Ahead
As the games progress, all eyes will be on whether Durant and James can continue to showcase their prowess in what might be their Olympic swansong. Their performances in the opener have set a high bar, not just for their teammates but for the entire competition.