When it comes to making history, Kevin Durant could do it nonstop.
Durant had experienced this kind of situation before. It’s not his fondest memory, but back in 2019, Durant ruptured his Achilles tendon in the NBA Finals. This event had significant repercussions in NBA history. Without KD, the Golden State Warriors failed to achieve a three-peat and lost the title. Shortly after, Durant left for Brooklyn, ending the Warriors’ dynasty. In Brooklyn, Durant dedicated himself to rehab and returned for the 2020-21 season, averaging 27 points per game with a 45 percent shooting rate from beyond the arc.
For many athletes, such an injury could have been career-ending, but Durant demonstrated remarkable resilience, returning to his peak performance. Despite this, many wondered how a calf injury would affect Durant’s game and if he would play again. The Olympic opener against Serbia put these doubts to rest. In the first quarter, Serbia led 20-14. Head coach Steve Kerr needed a change, so with two minutes and 33 seconds left in the period, Durant entered the game. This was unusual, as Durant has only come off the bench three times in his sixteen-year NBA career.
A typical player might need time to warm up, shake off the rust, and find their rhythm, but Durant, a seasoned veteran and exceptional player, nailed his first three-pointer in less than 15 seconds. Soon after, a Serbian player body-checked Durant in the open court, but he showed his toughness, brushed it off, and continued playing. He then went on a scoring spree, racking up 23 points in just 17 minutes, including a perfect five-for-five from beyond the arc, a favorite spot in international play where he’s shooting nearly 50 percent.
“I told coach whatever he needs from me, I’m willing to do anything and adapt to anything,” said Durant. “It’s always been fun trying to figure out new roles and adapt to whatever the games tells you.”
The Americans went on to win 110-84. Following that, the U.S. defeated South Sudan and Puerto Rico, with Durant coming off the bench. This strategy seems effective, as Durant provides a guaranteed offensive boost when he enters the game, just as other teams are rotating in their backup players. It’s the kind of mismatch that can give the Americans an immediate advantage.
If everything goes as planned and Team USA secures the gold medal, Durant will become the first player in men’s Olympic basketball history to win four gold medals. It’s a remarkable achievement, especially given the many great players who have represented the U.S., but Durant is more interested in creating memories than tallying medals.
“I know it’s important to a lot of people, but that stuff doesn’t really move me at all,” Durant said. “The journey is cool to me, just knowing that I’ve got all these memories in my head that I can lean back on at any time.”
Some speculate that Durant may already be eyeing the 2028 Olympics in L.A., where he could aim for a fifth Olympic medal at the age of 39. Durant acknowledges the possibility, partly because everyone keeps bringing it up.
“I try to stay in the present as much as I can and just try to enjoy the moment,” Durant said. “Keep your body in shape, keep your mind in the right place. You never know.”
For now, his focus is on Paris, and few exhibit a greater love for the game than Durant.
