The excitement and intensity of the 2024 Paris Olympics took center stage as LeBron James and Kevin Durant showcased their brilliance in what could likely be their final Olympic appearances. The dynamic duo’s veteran presence and exceptional skills were on full display during Team USA's dominant 110-84 victory over Serbia in the Olympic opener.
Veteran Stars Shine
James and Durant combined for a stellar 44 points, with an impressive 17-of-22 shooting performance. Their contributions were pivotal in establishing Team USA’s strong showing right from the start. LeBron James, who netted 21 points along with nine assists and eight rebounds, was instrumental in orchestrating the offense and setting the tone for the game. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant, coming off the bench, demonstrated why he's the all-time leading scorer for the USA in international play, turning the tide of the game when it mattered most.
Turning the Tide
Despite a slow start that saw Team USA trailing by six points in the first quarter, Durant's entry into the game sparked a significant shift. His late first-quarter heroics transformed a six-point deficit into a five-point lead by the quarter's end. By the time the first half concluded, James and Durant had gone 13-for-13 from the field, combining for 33 points to firmly establish Team USA’s lead.
Supporting Cast Delivers
While James and Durant’s contributions were invaluable, the supporting cast also played a crucial role. Devin Booker showcased his sharpshooting ability, making 4 of his 5 attempts from beyond the arc. Jrue Holiday matched Booker’s efficiency from three-point range, converting four of his five attempts. Even Stephen Curry, typically known for his prolific three-point shooting, contributed with 3 out of 7 attempts, and Anthony Edwards was nearly perfect with 2 of his 3 shots from three-point range.
Impressive Team Performance
Team USA's overall shooting efficiency was a testament to their dominance in the game. They shot an astounding 62% from the field and 56% from the three-point line. In stark contrast, Serbia struggled mightily from long range, managing to go only 9-for-37 from three-point territory. Serbia’s efforts were led by Nikola Jokic, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Team USA's relentless offense and tight defense.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament progresses, the performance of Team USA in the opener sets a high benchmark. The mix of experienced veterans like James and Durant and the talented supporting cast provides a potent combination that could prove difficult for any team to overcome. However, it was noted that Jayson Tatum did not see any action in this game, which leaves more potential firepower yet to be unleashed.
The Paris Olympics could indeed mark the end of an era for LeBron James and Kevin Durant in international play. Their contributions in this opening game serve as a reminder of their greatness and the legacy they continue to build on the global stage.