Team USA started the 2024 Paris Olympics with a 110-84 win against Serbia. A few players stood out for the national team, but Kevin Durant turned heads with his performance. The Phoenix Suns star came off the bench as it was his first international game this year. Durant missed the five exhibition games for the US as he dealt with a calf strain.
In his first Olympic game, KD surprised everyone with an efficient and high-scoring performance. The 6-foot-11 forward posted 23 points and five rebounds against the Serbians. He couldn't miss as he hit all eight attempts in the first half. It was a much-needed boost for the team that struggled to score in the first quarter.
Durant finished the game with nine attempts from the field and only missed once. From beyond the arc, he was even more effective. The four-time NBA Scoring Champion made all five three-pointers during the game.
The star forward did all that with only 16 minutes of action. With Durant providing an offensive boost, Team USA won their opening game.
Durant's effectiveness has evolved with his ability to play off the ball
During the game, KD patiently waited for the ball from behind the three-point zone. His patience without the ball was vital to what Team USA was trying to do. It's difficult to engage every player in a single game when there are so many stars on one squad. But Durant is no stranger to international competition.
He's on his way to win his fourth Olympic gold medal. Playing with such a talented group makes everything seem effortless for him on the court.
2006: Chase Budinger and Kevin Durant win co MVP of the McDonald's All-American Game
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 29, 2024
2024: Both winning matches for Team USA at the Olympics 🫡 pic.twitter.com/Qobm9wJMog
This trait comes in handy for the Suns. The team has three ball-dominant All-Star players, including Durant himself. Devin Booker and Bradley Beal will need to get shots on a nightly basis and fans saw that last season.
Fans witnessed firsthand how difficult it was for the other two to play alongside a ball-dominant great like Durant during their first season as All-great teammates. On the other hand, the star forward had no trouble commanding the offense and even shot a high percentage on the floor.
Over the years, Durant has shown his dominance offensively. He tends to command the gameplan based on what he can do on the floor -- which is everything. But the two-time Finals MVP has learned to be patient and be a threat even when KD didn't have the ball in his hands. He most likely picked all that knowledge throughout his three seasons with the Golden State Warriors.
Durant's balanced approach with Team USA could be what the Suns need next season. He remains a standout despite being on the older side and the defense should not neglect him. His job in Phoenix could also get effortless now that they've acquired two decent floor generals in Tyus Jones and Monte Morris.
He's evolved into a mature veteran star who knows he can be successful without the ball. That was key to Team USA's win and will be something to look out for the Suns next season. The team won't worry about getting the 35-year-old in rhythm since they know he's always ready to make an impact.
The 14-time All-Star has slightly hinted on social media about playing a looser brand of basketball. Durant has adapted to different styles and has remained productive over the years. And if we've learned something in his career, he will be ready to take over when needed, with or without All-Star teammates. It also won't matter if it's on the grandest stage because he will show everyone that he's the alpha.