Kevin Durant returns as USA downs Serbia to open Olympic campaign

After missing pre-Olympic practices and games, Kevin Durant showed up as the United States took down Serbia, 110-84, to open its campaign in the 2024 Paris Olympics on Sunday (Paris time).

Durant is returning to action for USA Basketball after sustaining a calf injury.

Durant had 23 points, 21 of which were from the first half, and two rebounds to lead the Americans in the Group C win.

After leading 58-49 at the end of the first half, Team USA pulled away in the third as it outscored Serbia, 26-16, in the said frame before cruising onto the victory.

LeBron James had 21 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, and a steal as he officially entered his fourth Summer Games stint, and the first since 2012 in London.

Nikola Jokic led Serbia with 20 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and four steals, while Bogdan Bogdanovic added 14 points.

Prior to the Olympics, USA defeated Serbia, 105-79, in a basketball showcase.

In other men's basketball games earlier, Canada defeated Greece, 86-79, while South Sudan beat Puerto Rico, 90-79.

USA will face South Sudan next on Thursday (Philippine time).

—JKC, GMA Integrated News