Team USA began their Olympic campaign with an emphatic 110-84 victory over Serbia, led by reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, on Sunday. This strong performance followed two lackluster outings against South Sudan and Germany earlier this month.
Kevin Durant, the most decorated player in Team USA history, returned from a calf injury just before the game and emerged as the leading scorer.
Here are the key takeaways from Team USA’s impressive win over Serbia:
Durant’s Triumphant Return
Kevin Durant’s return from a calf injury was both a relief and a triumph. Despite frustrations and setbacks during his recovery, Durant was cleared to play just an hour before the game. He expressed his relief at being able to play after experiencing a pain-free full scrimmage on Thursday.
“I had good days and setbacks, and I was nervous at times,” Durant said. “But the trainers helped me stay calm and informed.”
Durant played 17 minutes off the bench, scoring 23 points and shooting a perfect 5-of-5 from beyond the arc.
Sixth Man Role for Durant?
Durant’s effectiveness off the bench raises questions about his role moving forward. Durant, willing to adapt to any role, stated his commitment to the team’s needs.
“I told coach I’ll do whatever is needed,” Durant said. “Adapting to new roles is part of the fun.”
Despite starting nearly every game in his career, Durant might continue as a sixth man, potentially replacing Devin Booker, who also had a strong game with 12 points and 5 assists.
Overcoming Early Nerves
Team USA players admitted to early nerves playing in front of over 27,000 fans at Stade Pierre Mauroy, a massive retractable dome stadium. The initial jitters saw them trailing 10-2 in the opening minutes.
LeBron James and Stephen Curry both acknowledged the unique atmosphere and initial anxiety but settled into their roles quickly. James scored 21 points, second only to Durant, while Curry relished the electric environment.
Embiid’s Struggles
Joel Embiid had a challenging game, struggling against Serbia’s pick-and-rolls and finishing with a minus-8 plus/minus. However, Team USA remains committed to Embiid, who chose to play for the U.S. over France, a decision not welcomed by the local fans who booed him.
Despite a tough outing, Kerr and the team believe Embiid’s skillset is crucial for matchups against teams with significant size. Embiid played less than 12 minutes, scoring four points and grabbing two rebounds.
Tatum’s Absence
In a surprising move, Jayson Tatum did not play. Coach Steve Kerr explained that with the return of Durant, he opted for combinations that made the most sense, even though it meant benching Tatum, a first-team All-NBA player for three consecutive years.
“It’s hard to play more than 10 guys in a 40-minute game,” Kerr said. “Jayson is incredibly professional and will be ready for the next game.”
Tatum struggled during the exhibition games, averaging 6.4 points and 3.4 rebounds while missing all six of his 3-point attempts.
Team USA’s dominant win over Serbia sets a promising tone for their Olympic journey, with Durant’s successful return and the team’s ability to overcome early nerves being significant highlights. As the tournament progresses, adjustments and player roles will continue to evolve under Kerr’s strategic guidance.
