Kevin Durant of Team USA will start in the men’s basketball final of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris against France today, Saturday, August 10, 2024.
Durant came on as a substitute in the last two games – the quarter-finals against Brazil and the semi-finals against Serbia – and played a key role in his team’s victory.
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For the final against the host nation, The Athletic indicated that Durant will be in the USA’s starting lineup and hinted that Jrue Holiday, who started the last two games, will come off the bench later in the final.
This decision follows Durant’s impressive performance in the semifinals. The 14-time NBA All-Star played a significant role in the U.S. team’s comeback win over Serbia in the semifinals.
Despite starting on the bench, Durant contributed 9 points, including 7 in the decisive fourth quarter. His performance helped the United States overcome a 17-point deficit and win 95-91. Durant also contributed three rebounds and an assist during his 24 minutes on the court.
He recently surpassed Lisa Leslie to become the USA’s all-time leading basketball player at the Olympics, entering Saturday’s game with 503 points.
During the games in Paris, Durant averaged 13.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 20.5 minutes per game.
Jrue Holiday, known for his defensive skills, averaged 8.0 points, 2.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 18.9 minutes per game during the tournament.
Although he was not in the starting lineup for the group match against Puerto Rico, Holiday was a key player in the other games alongside stars such as LeBron James, Joel Embiid and Devin Booker.
Von Dotun Omisakin
