Durant Shines from Bench: A Game-Changer for Team USA
Kevin Durant has continuously proven why he remains a pivotal asset for Team USA in the 2024 Olympics, held in Lille and Paris. Despite coming off the bench in all three group stage games, his performances have significantly impacted the team's success, highlighting his value even in a non-starting role.
Durant's journey to the Olympics was not without its challenges. He missed all five of the United States' exhibition games due to a hamstring injury, leading to a shift in Head Coach Steve Kerr's original strategy. Kerr had initially planned for Durant to start, but Durant's absence during the preparatory phase necessitated a different approach.
"I think if Kevin had been here from Day 1, chances are he would be starting. That was the plan coming in. But, given that he missed all of our friendlies and came in late, we had kind of established a lineup that we liked. And when we brought him back, he was only going to play a certain amount of minutes against Serbia, and he played so well and he fit so well with that group," Kerr stated.
Durant's impact was undeniable from the moment he returned to the court. He played 17 minutes against Serbia, 22 minutes against South Sudan, and 19 minutes against Puerto Rico, averaging 19.2 minutes during group play. His integration into the second unit, alongside Derrick White, Anthony Edwards, Bam Adebayo, and Anthony Davis, fortified the team's defensive prowess.
The defensive squad featuring Durant, Adebayo, and Davis excels with versatile switching capabilities without compromising rim protection. This unit has particularly shined, ensuring Team USA maintained at least an 11-point lead throughout the fourth quarters of each group stage game.
"There's no plans on changing that. But of course, as the games get more difficult, my guess is Kevin will be playing more and more minutes. So he'll keep coming off the bench for now, but we'll lean on him more and more as we go," Kerr affirmed, emphasizing Durant's evolving role as the tournament progresses.
Durant himself has embraced his role with a selfless attitude and a focus on contributing to the team's success, regardless of his starting status. "I told Coach, whatever he needs from me, I'm willing to do anything and adapt to anything. It's basketball. It really doesn't matter who starts. It's about really who finished the game, who put their impact on the game while they're in the game. So, I just try to do my best to impact it any way I can," Durant expressed.
Anthony Edwards echoed this sentiment, appreciating the chance to play alongside Durant. "I love that he's coming off the bench. I get to play with him, so I hope coach keeps bringing him off the bench. I get to pass it to him. He gets to pass it back. That's probably one of my biggest dreams ever, so that's dope," Edwards said, highlighting the camaraderie and admiration within the team.
LeBron James has led the team with an average of 21.8 minutes per game, ensuring no player has been overburdened with excessive playing time. This rotational depth has been crucial for Team USA's dominant performances, giving each player adequate rest while maintaining high levels of play.
As the competition intensifies, the team's focus remains sharp. "They've got a lot of really good shooters, and they just play hard, they compete play after play. So we'll have to be ready for their physicality and their shooting, and we need to be on edge and ready for them because they're not going to back down," Kerr commented on the upcoming challenges.
With Durant continuing to rise to the occasion off the bench, combined with the solid performances from his teammates, Team USA looks well-prepped to power through the next stages of the Olympics. Durant's influence, despite initial setbacks, is a testament to his resilience and crucial role in the pursuit of Olympic gold.