Kevin Durant has proven himself to be an invaluable asset for Team USA during the 2024 Olympics. Despite facing setbacks and disruptions to his typical preparations, Durant has delivered an impressive performance coming off the bench throughout the group stage games held in Lille and Paris. Initially sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Durant missed all five of the United States' exhibition games. This absence forced Head Coach Steve Kerr to rethink his strategy, a change that ultimately proved fruitful.
Impactful Returns
Despite missing the preparatory phase, Durant hit the ground running upon his return. Playing 19.2 minutes on average during the group stage games, Durant made his presence felt. He logged 17 minutes against Serbia, 22 minutes against South Sudan, and 19 minutes against Puerto Rico. His adaptability and dedication have not gone unnoticed.
"I think if Kevin had been here from Day 1, chances are he would be starting. That was the plan coming in," said Kerr. "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."
It's clear that Durant's fit with the team's second unit, which includes Derrick White, Anthony Edwards, Bam Adebayo, and Anthony Davis, has been particularly advantageous. This lineup has showcased formidable defensive prowess, combining versatile switching with robust rim protection.
Defensive Dominance
Durant, Adebayo, and Davis have formed a defensive trio that has allowed Team USA to maintain a significant lead throughout the group stage. In each of their games, the team led by at least 11 points in the fourth quarter. This defensive setup has ensured that opposing teams find it challenging to break through, further highlighting Durant's essential role.
"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 added, hinting at Durant's increasing influence as the tournament advances.
Embracing the Role
Durant himself has taken his revised role in stride. "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 finishes 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 remarked. His conscientious approach has not only benefited his performance but has also fostered a stronger team dynamic.
Teammate Anthony Edwards expressed his enthusiasm about playing 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 with excitement.
Team Synergy
The strategic adjustments by Kerr and the flexibility shown by Durant have been integral to Team USA’s performance. No player on the roster has logged more than 27 minutes in a single game, with LeBron James leading the team with an average of 21.8 minutes per game. This evenly distributed playing time has kept the squad fresh and ready to adapt as the competition intensifies.
Looking ahead, Kerr remains cautiously optimistic. "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," he stated, reflecting on the challenges that lie ahead.
Durant’s comeback has underscored the value of adaptability and team cohesion. As the tournament progresses, his role is expected to grow, further cementing his importance to the team. For now, both Durant and Team USA have shown that versatility and teamwork can overcome the unexpected, laying a solid foundation for their Olympic ambitions.