But when that team is the Golden State Warriors, the transition of adding a superstar such as KD to go alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green seems like it will the smoothest we’ve seen in the history of the National Basketball Association. He then followed it up with another five points to score the first 10 points for his United States of America team.
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Durant followed up his first 3-pointer with seven consecutive points, scoring 10 of the United States’ first 16 before finishing with 13 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal. Former Washington Wizards power forward Yi Jianlian did not play in the game reportedly due to passport issues.
This isn’t to say it will be a dramatic drop-off, but with Durant demanding at least 11-20 shots per game, shots may be less common for Green to come by in comparison to years past, especially putting into mind Thompson and Curry still having to get their attempts in as well. Nobody will look at it that way, but that’s history.
DeMarcus Cousins fights for position against Zhou Qi of China in the second half of a USA Basketball Showcase exhibition game at Staples Center on July 24, 2016 in Los Angeles. Durant acted as a catalyst to Thompson’s 15 point fourth quarter, hitting the Warriors shooting guard on the fast break for his first points of the game.
“Being one of the best players in the world, he’s easy to play with”, Krzyzewski said. I don’t know where the report came from, but it came from somewhere.
Jordan received almost 10 minutes of action Tuesday, recording six points, five rebounds, two blocks and an assist, throwing down three dunks. He’s a Warrior now, certainly in this arena, even if on this night he actually was representing Team USA.
The third installment of the friendly games also reminded Golden State that Durant is indeed part of the team during his first Bay Area appearance. The United States dominated every facet of the game with their superior length and athleticism.
China pulled down just 21 rebounds, while Team USA had 48, of which 19 were offensive rebounds. Turnovers crushed the Chinese from the start, as the United States turned 18 China miscues into 29 points.
“They do a couple of things that are very good for us: They pressure the ball and they deny wing passes”, the legendary Duke coach observed.
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After Durant warmed up about 90 minutes before the game, he started down the home tunnel to the Warriors’ locker room and was swarmed by autograph-seeking fans, including one holding a sign that read: “KD is not a villain”.
