Jul 10, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; USA forward Kevin Durant (7) arrives for a game against Canada for the USA Basketball Showcase at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Durant is expected to play for Team USA in its Olympics opener against Serbia on Sunday.
Coach Steve Kerr said after Durant practiced for a third straight day on Saturday it appeared the 35-year-old Durant was fully recovered from a left calf strain.
Kerr said he wasn’t sure whether Durant would start against three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic and the Serbs or come off the bench.
Joel Embiid did not practice Saturday because of illness but is expected to play in the opener, The Athletic reported.
Durant is on a quest to become the only man to win four basketball gold medals and cement his status as the greatest American male player in Olympics basketball history.
He leads the Americans all-time in points (435), points per game (19.8), field goals (146), 3-point field goals (74) and free throws (69). He also ranks third in rebounds (118) and blocks (16) and fourth in games played (24) and assists (71).
In the past three Olympics, he has led the tournament in points averaged per game: 20.7 (2020, Tokyo), 19.5 (2012, London) and 19.4 (2016, Rio de Janeiro).
The Americans, going for a fifth consecutive gold medal, also will meet South Sudan (Wednesday) and Puerto Rico (Aug. 3) in pool play.
Kevin Durant, one of the most talented and successful basketball players in the world, is gearing up to represent Team USA in the upcoming Olympics. Durant, who plays for the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA, is expected to lead the American team in their quest for a fifth consecutive gold medal.
After recovering from a left calf strain, Durant has been practicing with the team and is fully prepared to take on the competition. Coach Steve Kerr has expressed confidence in Durant’s abilities and believes that he will be a key player in the team’s success.
Durant, who is 35 years old, is on a mission to make history by becoming the only player to win four basketball gold medals. With an impressive track record of achievements in the Olympics, Durant is already considered one of the greatest American male players in basketball history.
Throughout his Olympic career, Durant has set numerous records and statistics. He leads the Americans in points, points per game, field goals, 3-point field goals, and free throws. His all-around skills on the court have made him a valuable asset to the team.
In the upcoming Olympics, Team USA will face tough competition from teams like Serbia, South Sudan, and Puerto Rico in the pool play. Despite the challenges ahead, Durant and his teammates are determined to bring home another gold medal for their country.
As Durant continues to make his mark on the basketball world, fans eagerly anticipate his performance in the Olympics and look forward to witnessing his exceptional talent on the court. With his skills and leadership, Durant is sure to leave a lasting legacy in the world of basketball.
