Kevin Durant's outstanding first-half performance set the tone for his team's dominance, scoring 21 points early on. Both Jrue Holiday and Steph Curry highlighted KD's crucial role in the victory, emphasizing his impact and leadership.
Kevin Durant's exceptional first-half performance was the catalyst for Team USA's crushing 110-84 victory over Serbia in the Paris 2024 Olympics opener.
Scoring 21 points before halftime, Durant's early dominance set the tone and opened up the game.
Jrue Holiday acknowledged KD's critical role, stating, "I really believe Kevin Durant got us started. He came out in the first half with 20 points, and from there, it just kind of had the game wide open."
Durant's influence extended beyond his scoring. His presence on the court inspired confidence and energy among his teammates, including LeBron James and Steph Curry.
Holiday emphasized their collective importance, saying, "I mean, they [Kevin and LeBron] are the forefronts. They and Steph. So we kind of go out as they go, and how they play tonight, it's gonna be hard for us to lose for me."
Steph also praised Durant's performance and its impact on the team's overall play.
"KD was unbelievable in the first half and gave us a boost, and our defense in the second half opened the game up," Curry said.
He highlighted the team's ongoing efforts to build a cohesive identity with their current roster.
"We're still trying to build an identity around who we are, you know, with this 12-man group, and it's important to stay focused."
Curry's admiration for Durant was evident as he described Durant's flawless shooting and leadership.
"Nothing he [KD] does surprises me. He shot perfect in the first half, had 21 or something like that. It's special. He's so used to the stage, and he's an all-time leading scorer for Team USA in the Olympics for a reason. Great to see him play, have fun, and enjoy."
Durant's performance was a testament to his skill and experience, proving once again why he is considered one of the game's greats.
Game highlights:
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