Team USA narrowly escaped a last-second disaster in Turkey on Monday, defeating Brazil 70-68. The Americans (3-0) found themselves trading baskets with their Pool B rivals throughout the game, encountering trouble with the Brazilians' onslaught of pick and rolls. They also looked out of sync offensively, relying many times on their one-on-one scoring abilities rather than buying into the team mentality and moving the ball. However, when the US looked as if they had their backs against the wall, there was one player who stepped up and made something happen.
Enter Kevin Durant. KD had another phenomenal performance, leading the Americans with 27 points and 10 rebounds.
When Team USA had made it public that Durant was going to be the saving grace of Team USA, many people wondered if he had the star power to fuel such a team. Sure, he can score with the best of them. Yeah, he had a great year with the Thunder and finished second in MVP voting. But can he take over a game and make his teammates around him better? Let me give you one statistic.
Team USA is now 3-0.
The former collegiate Player of the Year, has stepped up in each game of the World Basketball Championship, quietly becoming the leader that Coach K and Jerry Colangelo had hoped for. At a mere 21-years-old, Durant carries himself both on and off the court with a composure that stretches well beyond his years. He is by no means flashy or arrogant, but rather has a very laid back demeanor and fundamental smoothness to his game. His lanky, 6'10" makes him an absolute nightmare to match up with defensively, especially when you consider his athleticism at such a size.
Oh and the kid D's up too. Just as Leandro Barbosa how light his pockets are, after his feeble crossover attempt was picked by Durant. Don't worry, if you missed the game against Brazil, just watch highlights of the exhibition game against Spain, when KD came up with not one, but two, game saving blocks.
At 21, the sky is the limit for the Thunders' All-Star. Durant will continue develop both mentally and physically as he matures in the league. With that being said, I have some predictions for No. 35. First off, he will be the greatest player to ever wear that number (if he already isn't). He will also win his second scoring title and first MVP trophy this season (he finishes his career with at least 5 scoring titles and 3 MVPs). He will also lead to the Thunder to the Western Conference Finals this season, in route to his second All-Star game along with his teammate Russell Westbrook. Most importantly (at least at this point in time), he will lead Team USA to FIBA Gold in 2010.
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