Durant Explodes Off The Bench

Photo: Special to the NY Beacon

By Samori Benjamin 

Wilson Leads Women Over Japan

Photo: Special to the NY Beacon

The United States Men’s Basketball team opened Olympic play Sunday afternoon in Paris and rolled over the NBA’s reigning MVP, and winner of the award three of the last four seasons, Nikola Jokic and his Serbian National team. Lebron James led four starters who scored in double figures with 21 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds. Kevin Durant (8-9 fg, 5-5 3-ptrs) came off the bench and provided a team high 23 points in just 17 minutes. Jokic played a game high 31 minutes but his 20 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals were not nearly enough to lift his countrymen.

The best player on the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics, Jason Tatum, was nailed to the bench and was given zero minutes of playing time by USA Head Coach Steve Kerr. Not that it mattered from the standpoint of the game’s outcome, but the move had many fans and pundits calling Kerr’s actions disrespectful. “Jason will play tomorrow,” Kerr said on Tuesday, two days after the opening game. “We are going to need him, and part of this job for me is to keep everybody engaged and ready.” Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton also did not see playing time.

Team USA faced South Sudan this past Wednesday night.

Meanwhile on the USA Women’s Side saw them take on Japan with a 56-game Olympic winning streak. It was extended to 57 after the dominating 102-76 victory.

A’ja Wilson led the women with 24 points and 13 rebounds. Said Wilson after, “we always say the most physical team normally gets the win, so we had to come out and establish ourselves on the stage that we’re on, and I think we did a good job of that today.”

The women next face Belgium Thursday afternoon.

Sports Editor Andrew Rosario contributed to this article.