In a powerful performance that underscored his return from injury, Kevin Durant bolstered Team USA to a commanding 103-86 victory over South Sudan at the Olympics. Coming off the bench, Durant demonstrated his exceptional prowess by recording a team-high +26 in plus/minus as the United States advanced to 2-0 in group play.
Despite recently returning from a calf injury, Durant was nearly the top player in terms of minutes played, falling just four seconds short of his Phoenix Suns teammate Devin Booker, who led with 22:01 on court. Durant also showcased a flawless shooting streak from beyond the arc, maintaining his perfect record in the tournament by hitting 2-for-2 from three-point range, bringing his total to 7-for-7 in the Olympics so far.
Durant’s stat line was modest yet impactful—14 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, and 3 steals—reflecting his ability to influence the game across the board. His performance was pivotal during the game’s crucial stretches.
Entering late in the first quarter, he immediately made his presence felt, quickly drawing fouls and sinking free throws to help build an early lead for the USA. With a few stealthy steals and surgical passes, including a highlight reel bounce pass to Anthony Davis for a dunk in the fourth quarter, Durant kept the momentum firmly in Team USA’s favor.
Off the bench, Durant and the reserves, including Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Anthony Edwards, Bam Adebayo, and Tyrese Haliburton, amassed a staggering 60-14 point advantage over their South Sudanese counterparts. Their collective effort off the bench was a testament to the depth and skill that Team USA brings to the table.
Looking ahead, Team USA is set to face Puerto Rico in their final Group C match this coming Saturday. As they continue their pursuit of another Olympic gold, performances like Durant’s will be key to navigating deeper into the tournament and potentially securing top honors. With their star player finding form at the right moment, Team USA’s confidence will surely be high as they gear up for the challenges ahead.
