But once it did, the Americans ran China out of the gym, winning 106-57.
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LOS ANGELES Even in a jersey with USA on the chest, Kevin Durant got some boos at Staples Center on Sunday night.
Like I said: boo him.
Former first round draft pick Yi Jianlian led China with 18 points and seven rebounds. Carmelo Anthony led U.S. with 20 points and five boards, DeMarcus Cousins double-doubled with 21 points and 11 rebounds and Kevin Durant chipped in with 13 points in 19 minutes. Klay Thompson was second on Team USA in scoring with 17 points.
Thompson also weighed in on the Warriors’ pursuit of Durant, calling it “history”. You’ll be tuning in to see Kevin Durant and company begin the quest for a third consecutive gold medal on August 6, and we definitely will, too.
The rematch should be more of the same as Team USA is just far superior from a talent standpoint compared to China. Guards Zhao Jiwei and Guo Ailun, did a particularly valiant job of at least inconveniencing Kyle Lowry and Kyrie Irving, getting up in their shit on a fairly regular basis. That’s when D.J. scooped up a loose ball and led a fast break. However, during the last season, the two superstars were rivals in the Western Conference Finals and both played well in their respective teams.
Add to that his 12 points, five rebounds, and three blocks - one of which he damn near spiked through the floorboards - and it nearly feels silly that Jordan’s Team USA candidacy was even in question.
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The Summer Olympics are about much more than basketball. Fortunately, Durant claimed that he did not hear it and maintained his focus on the game. In previous games, Durant has faced frequent boos – on Tuesday, his reception should be loud and an enthusiastic.
