Durant's Impact Off the Bench Fuels Team USA's Dominance
As the 2024 Olympics unfold in Lille and Paris, Kevin Durant has proven to be a crucial asset for Team USA, coming off the bench to deliver significant performances. Despite missing all five of the United States' exhibition games due to a hamstring injury, Durant has seamlessly integrated into the lineup during the group stage games, showcasing his versatility and skill.
Head Coach Steve Kerr had initially planned for Durant to start, but his injury during the preparatory phase necessitated a change in strategy. “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,” Kerr explained. This change did not hinder Durant's influence on the court. Averaging 19.2 minutes per game, Durant has adapted readily to his role, playing 17 minutes against Serbia, 22 minutes against South Sudan, and 19 minutes against Puerto Rico.
The second unit, featuring Durant alongside Derrick White, Anthony Edwards, Bam Adebayo, and Anthony Davis, has been particularly formidable on the defensive end. The combination of Durant, Adebayo, and Davis allows for versatile switching without sacrificing rim protection, contributing to Team USA's defensive prowess. This stellar defensive performance has ensured that Team USA led by at least 11 points throughout the fourth quarters in each group stage game.
Durant's seamless fit has been underscored by his willingness to adapt. “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 attitude reflects a team-first mentality that has resonated well with his teammates. Anthony Edwards, who shares the floor with Durant in the second unit, expressed his delight: “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.”
Despite Durant's reduced minutes, Kerr acknowledges the potential for increasing his playtime as the tournament progresses. “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 stated. This strategic flexibility highlights Kerr's confidence in Durant's abilities and the depth of the roster.
Team USA's roster management has been meticulous, with no player logging more than 27 minutes in any single game thus far. LeBron James leads the team with an average of 21.8 minutes per game, ensuring that key players remain fresh for the more challenging knockout stages.
As Team USA prepares for the upcoming matches, Kerr emphasized the need for readiness and resilience. “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 noted.
Durant's role, while initially unexpected, underscores the depth and adaptability of Team USA. His performance off the bench has not only provided crucial minutes but has also helped maintain the defensive integrity of the team. As the tournament progresses, Durant's impact is anticipated to grow, highlighting the caliber of talent and strategic acumen that define this Team USA squad.