Team USA is on its way to kick off its Paris Olympics 2024 journey with a rematch against Serbia. The United States already showcased its power to win gold by winning all tune-up games, including Serbia. However, just before their Olympic opener, the Team USA head coach, Steve Kerr faced some backlash following the announcement of the team’s starting five.
Team USA’s starting five included Steph Curry, Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid. However, fans were shocked not to see Anthony Davis and Kevin Durant in the starting lineup and called out Kerr for selection blunder.
Here are some of the reactions:
Kevin Durant could not play in the exhibition games due to a calf injury. Fortunately, he was cleared before the Olympic opener. But the Phoenix Suns star could not make the starting lineup, which also fueled the fans.
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A large number of fans did not hesitate to voice their displeasure at the snubbing of NBA stars Anthony Davis and Anthony Edwards, who played well in the exhibition games.
Kevin Durant Shines For Team USA On Comeback After Injury
Team USA wasted no time addressing the concerns of their frustrated fans, making swift changes that had an immediate impact on the game. The team brought in Kevin Durant and Anthony Davis early on, and their presence quickly turned the tide.
Among the standout performances, Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant showcased exceptional athleticism, especially impressive given his recent return from injury. From the moment he stepped onto the court, Durant made a significant impact. In just five and a half minutes, he scored 14 points, including three three-pointers. His swift and decisive play energized both his teammates and the crowd.
Durant wasn’t alone in his efforts. LeBron James and Durant combined for a flawless display, scoring a combined 33 points in one hour. Their incredible chemistry was on full display, with Durant contributing 21 points with a perfect 8-for-8 from the field, and LeBron adding 12 points, also perfect with 5-for-5 from the field before the half.
Due to their stunning performance, Team USA took a strong lead over Serbia, heading into halftime with a score of 58-49.