On July 23, Beijing time, the United States men's basketball team played its last warm-up game. Relying on James scoring 11 points in the final moments, the United States team defeated Germany with difficulty and won five consecutive warm-up games. This wave of 5 consecutive wins, I'm afraid United States fans will not be happy. Three of the five games were narrowly won, especially in the last two games, where the United States men's basketball team had a slim lead, winning by just five points. The game against South Sudan was even more thrilling, relying on James's stunner to win by one point.
Even more worrying for United States fans is Kevin Durant's injury situation. According to The Athletic's Joe Vardon, although Durant failed to play in the warm-up game against Germany, the current plan is that he will still travel to Paris with the United States men's basketball team for the Olympics. KD's status is listed as daily observation, which means that his fitness will be constantly monitored and a decision will be made on whether or not to play based on his recovery.
The United States men's basketball team's first game of the Paris Olympics will be played at 11:15 p.m. Beijing time on the 28th of this month, when they will play the Serbia men's basketball team. This crucial opening game is crucial for the United States team, and Durant's absence has undoubtedly had a big impact on the team. According to NBA celebrity Brian Windhorst, Durant may miss the United States men's basketball Olympic opener. The news undoubtedly worries supporters of the United States men's basketball team. As the core player of the team, Durant's appearance plays an irreplaceable role in the team's tactical layout and morale.
Durant had returned to training and was expected to play in one of the final two warm-up games of the United States men's basketball team. However, he ultimately failed to play, and head coach Steve Kerr said Durant needed more recovery time. Kerr's statement shows a cautious attitude towards Durant's health, and also reflects the team's importance and protection of him. And when asked if he would replace Durant, Kerr said there are no plans for that at the moment.
Durant's Olympic journey is full of doubts, and the United States men's basketball team stumbles in the warm-up game, which makes people feel worried. Without Durant, a big killer, if only the 40-year-old James carries the whole team, the United States team may be in danger. In Durant's absence, the team needs to bring out the potential of other players and prepare for the upcoming Olympics. At the same time, fans are also looking forward to Durant's recovery as soon as possible and return to the court, adding more chances for the United States men's basketball team to win.
However, the news that Durant will miss the United States men's basketball Olympic opener still raises concerns about their prospects for this game. Serbia is led by MVP Jokic and cannot be underestimated. If the United States capsize in the gutter and lose the first game to Serbia, it will be a huge blow to their morale. Let's see whether the United States team has a black start or a good start, and then see if Jokic will show mercy in the face of these old acquaintances of the United States team.