Kevin Durant: The Unstoppable Force Off the Bench for Team USA
During the 2024 Olympics in Lille and Paris, Kevin Durant has proven once again why he is a pivotal asset for Team USA. Despite coming off the bench in all three group stage games, Durant's performances have been nothing short of impressive, underscoring his importance to the squad.
Durant's Olympic journey faced early setbacks due to a hamstring injury that kept him out of all five of the United States' exhibition games. Head Coach Steve Kerr originally planned for Durant to start, but his absence during the preparatory phase necessitated a strategic shift. “I think if Kevin had been here from Day 1, chances are he would be starting. That was the plan coming in,” Kerr explained. “But given that he missed all of our friendlies and came in late, we had kind of established a lineup that we liked.”
Despite these initial challenges, Durant seamlessly integrated back into the lineup, making a significant impact in the tournament. His adaptability and team-first mentality have been crucial. “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 commented on his role.
Durant's presence off the bench has provided Team USA with an additional layer of depth and versatility. During group play, Durant has averaged 19.2 minutes per game, showcasing his worth in each outing. He played 17 minutes against Serbia, 22 minutes against South Sudan, and 19 minutes against Puerto Rico, consistently delivering solid performances.
The second unit, featuring Durant alongside Derrick White, Anthony Edwards, Bam Adebayo, and Anthony Davis, has particularly stood out on the defensive end. Their ability to switch defensively without sacrificing rim protection has made them a formidable force. “The defensive unit of Durant, Adebayo, and Davis allows for versatile switching without sacrificing rim protection,” noted a team insider.
This defensive prowess has been evident throughout the group stage, where Team USA has maintained double-digit leads in the fourth quarter of each game. In fact, no player on the roster has logged more than 27 minutes in any single game thus far, highlighting the depth and efficiency of the squad. Leading the team in average minutes per game is LeBron James, with 21.8.
Looking ahead, Kerr hinted at the possibility of increased playing time for Durant as the competition intensifies. “There's no plans on changing that,” Kerr said regarding Durant’s role off the bench. “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.”
Durant’s teammates have also expressed their admiration for his adaptability and skill. Anthony Edwards, in particular, has relished the opportunity to play alongside the superstar. “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 shared.
As Team USA advances through the tournament, Durant's role remains a key component of their strategy. His ability to impact the game regardless of starting status exemplifies his professionalism and sheer talent. While the initial plan may have shifted, Durant's dedication and performance ensure that he remains at the heart of Team USA’s quest for Olympic glory.
One thing is clear: Kevin Durant’s versatility and impact off the bench continue to be invaluable assets for Team USA, with his presence likely to become even more critical as the stakes rise.