Suns' Kevin Durant: Game-high 23 points in Olympic win
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Durant tallied 23 points (8-9 FG, 5-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and two rebounds across 17 minutes in Team USA's 110-84 win over Serbia in the Paris Olympics on Sunday.
After missing most of the preparation period for Team USA due to a calf strain, Durant came off the bench and scored a game-high 23 points. The superstar scored 21 points on 100 percent shooting from the field in the first half alone, proving why he is the top scorer in USA Olympic history. The 35-year-old got buckets easily, and it would not be a surprise if he eventually slots into the starting five as the squad has three more games in the group phase. Regardless of Durant's role, he will score at will and get his fair share of playing time.
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Suns' Kevin Durant: Available against Serbia on Sunday
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Durant (calf) is available for Team USA's opening match of the Paris Olympics versus Serbia on Sunday, Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com reports.
After missing significant preparation with Team USA due to a right calf strain, Durant will suit up for Sunday's matchup. The superstar missed several practices and was absent from all five of the squad's showcase games. However, Team USA will get their leading scorer back in time for the start of the Olympic group phase. The last time Durant suited up for Team USA was in 2021 in Tokyo, when he averaged 27.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.5 blocks per game.
Coach Steve Kerr said Saturday that he expects Durant (calf) to play in the United States' opening matchup of the Paris Olympics against Serbia on Sunday, BasketNews.com reports.
Durant is dealing with a right calf strain that has kept him out of several practices and five exhibition matchups. However, Team USA will likely get their top scorer back in time for the opening game of the group phase. The superstar will compete in his fourth Olympic Games for the USA. In the 2020 Olympics, he averaged 27.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.5 blocks per game.
Durant (calf) is expected to be a full participant in practice Thursday for the United States national team, Grant Afseth of EssentiallySports.com reports.
After missing all five of the United States' showcase games earlier this month while recovering from the right calf strain, Durant may not be cleared to play in the team's 2024 Summer Olympics opener Sunday versus Serbia, but his return to full practice suggests he should be ready for game action shortly thereafter. After Sunday's contest, the United States will face South Sudan on Wednesday.
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Suns' Kevin Durant: Likely to miss Olympic opener
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Durant (calf) is unlikely to play for the United States national team in its 2024 Summer Olympics opening game against Serbia on Sunday, Brian Windhorst reported on ESPN's "SportsCenter."
Durant missed every single exhibition for Team USA while tending to the calf injury. The United States will have until Saturday to turn in its roster, and head coach Steve Kerr reportedly has no intention of replacing Durant, who is likely to make his earliest appearance July 31 against South Sudan.
Durant (calf) will not play in Monday's exhibition against Germany, Joe Vardon of The Athletic reports.
Durant didn't play in any exhibitions for Team USA before the Paris Olympics, but he's trending in the right direction and has ramped up his on-court work at recent practices. He's considered day-to-day and is still planning to play in the Olympics, which begin for Team USA against Serbia on July 28.
Durant (calf) is out for Saturday's exhibition game against South Sudan, Joe Vardon of The Athletic reports.
Durant continues to deal with a calf injury but was on the floor going through pregame work ahead of Saturday's exhibition. The star forward appears on track to play in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Durant (calf) participated in his first Team USA practice of the summer Friday in London but remains questionable to play in the upcoming exhibition games Saturday and Monday, Shams Charania and Joe Vardon of The Athletic report.
The 35-year-old has been sidelined for Team USA's training camp after he suffered a calf strain in early July, though he's been able to participate in individual drills. Coach Steve Kerr said Durant is still considered day-to-day but would "love for him to play in a game." Assuming Durant can avoid any setbacks, he appears on track to be available for the start of Olympic action.
