TOKYO – After a slow start to the Olympics, Kevin Durant finally looks like the player who can lead the United States to yet another gold medal.
With Team USA needing a lift after falling behind the Czech Republic early on Saturday, Durant finally took charge and sparked the Americans to a 119-84 victory that clinches second place in group play behind France heading into the quarterfinals Tuesday.
Durant finished with 23 points on 8-of-11 shooting, including 10 points in the third quarter when the U.S. turned a tight game into a runaway.
Team USA trailed by seven after the first quarter and led just 47-43 at halftime, seemingly inviting yet another struggle for a team that hasn’t played up to the level of talent on its roster since coming together in Las Vegas earlier this month.