Kevin Durant shows his pedigree against Argentina – NBA Update
When team USA was gearing up for the Olympics by playing several exhibition games, Kevin Durant had been reluctant to shoot the ball on more than a few occasions. The Oklahoma City Thunder player’s reluctance to shoot the ball
had gotten him a calling off from head coach, Mike Krzyzewski and even a few team mates including Chris Paul and LeBron James.
That seemed to have a huge influence on the quality and style of game; Durant has been able to put in the first five games of the Olympics. The best of them however came in the last preliminary round game against Argentina last
night.
The three times reigning NBA scoring champion came to life especially in the third quarter before finishing with a game high total of 28 points and helping team USA hand out a 29 point drubbing to the South Americans.
He shot the ball 9 of 12 from the field which included an 8 of 10 conversion rate from three point land. Durant pounded 17 points in the third quarter alone to allow team USA put up a 42 point frame, one in which they held Argentina
to only 17 points and changes the game.
"I had a good rhythm," Durant said. "My teammates did a great job of passing. The ball kind of finds me; I've got to do my part and shoot a good shot, and hopefully, it goes in."
After facing stiff competition throughout the first half from Argentina, the scores being 60-59, team USA came out firing on all cylinders in the second half.
LeBron started the rot by getting 7 quick points early in the third quarter but the period belonged to Durant who took over the game with his mesmerizing brilliance.
"Anybody in their right mind, when (Durant) gets to shooting the ball like that, there's only one play," said Chris Paul, who made six of seven shots himself for 17 points. "Get the ball to him."
The star performance from Durant ensues that team USA stay undefeated and top Group A after five preliminary round game and will now go head to head with Australia in the quarter finals who grabbed the last spot available in Group
B by defeating the mighty Russians.
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