LILLE (France) - It took 91 days, but Kevin Durant finally played a basketball game. A calf injury slowed down his progress during the preparation camp with the United States, but he was on his best game as he led the charge in a 110-84 win over Serbia.
Durant finished with 23 points on 8-of-9 shooting, done in less than 17 minutes of action. He was incredible in the first half, hitting all eight of his field goals, getting to 21 points despite playing just under nine minutes.
After the game, he spoke to the media members gathered around him at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium.
"It felt good to make some shots. Everybody's played their role pretty well tonight, my role was to come in and provide spacing and shot making for the team, glad I was able to knock them down."
You have a lot of FIBA experience, how did that help you in this game?
I've been playing ball my whole life. You just simplify it, and bring it back to: it's just basketball at the end of the day. I just tried to follow the game plan, be there for my teammates on the defensive end, and when the ball could touch my hand, be aggressive.
Was it weird to come off the bench?
I've done it a couple of times in the NBA. Three times? That's enough for me to just kinda lean on those times, that's what I thought about as I was coming in. Just staying ready, mentally staying focused with what the game plan is, and when I come in don't make the game about myself. Try to add to the team, and tonight I was able to get it. Bam passed up a shot to give me an open shot, which was what got me going.
Is the sixth man role a permanent one?
I told coach whatever he needs from me, I'm willing to do anything and adapt to anything. It's always a bit fun trying to figure out new roles, and just adapt to whatever the game tells you to do.
What is it like playing with LeBron James once again?
So grateful to have him back. We missed him in the last two Olympics. He puts fear in the other team, that goes a long way, the psyche of the game. He's running downhill, making the right plays on offense and defensive end, it's just insane and I'm glad he's on our team.
When did you know you were ready to play?
The other day when we scrimmaged. Right after that I felt great, no pain, I was able to get up the next day, so I knew I'd be ready to play.
Were you worried you would have to miss the Olympics?
For sure. When you're going through rehab, especially when you want it to happen pretty quickly, as we've got a short amount of time we've got together, so there were days when I had good days, and then I also had a little set back here. I was nervous a little bit, but I'm glad the trainers calmed me down, let me know what I was going through, I'm glad I was able to come out here and stop the pain.
Was this the best game of the summer for your team?
I just think all those games, those practices leading up to today prepared us. Coaches have been doing a great job of keeping us on our toes, and letting us know how important each day was, so we tried to come together pretty quickly. The beauty of tonight is that we played a lot of random basketball on the offensive side, defensively we were talking to one another throughout the whole game. That communication and that random basketball made us tough to stop. We continue to build on this, and see where we can go.
The United States were off to a slow start, allowing Serbia to open up a 10-2 lead. Were you nervous watching from the bench?
I was sitting over there injured throughout the exhibition games, so sitting here knowing I might get some minutes, I was excited. My lungs still getting used to running up and down the court. I haven't played a game since the Playoffs, I'm still just getting used to that.
What was the atmosphere like from the court?
Incredible, man! 27,000... I looked around and I've seen so many different NBA jerseys in the stands. I just love when the game of basketball could bring people from all over the world together like that.
That must be something completely different from the experience of Covid-restricted Tokyo 2020 Games?
Oh for sure. That seems so long ago. That era of the world seems like it was 20 years ago, so to see so many people in here supporting the game of basketball, it was incredible.
How did the only shot you missed, the one in the second half, feel for you?
Ohhh man... It felt great leaving my hands, I definitely wanted to finish the game perfect. I aimed for it, and landed right underneath that, but my teammates just looked for me whole night and I was able to knock them down.
Where does this rank on your list of best performances for the national team?
I don't even rank my performances. It's all about Team USAB and getting the W.
FIBA