Kevin Durant becomes Team USA’s all-time leading rebounder in win over Puerto Rico

Durant also just needs six points to surpass Lisa Leslie for the all-time leading Olympic scorer in Team USA history, men’s or women’s.

Durant came off the bench for the third-straight game tonight, playing mostly alongside Derrick White, Anthony Edwards, Bam Adebayo and Anthony Davis. Edwards had a game-high 26 points, the most by any Team USA player thus far in the Olympics.

Team USA now advances to the quarterfinals as the No. 1 seed after finishing group play 3-0.

Durant’s Performance against Puerto Rico

Durant checked in for the first time with 3:18 to go in the first quarter and did not attempt a shot, finishing the quarter with an assist, two turnovers and a rebound. The Puerto Ricans were up 29-25 to end the quarter.

After going a combined 7-for-7 from deep over the first two games, Durant missed his first 3 of the night from the top of the key just over a minute into the second quarter. However, the Americans got the offensive rebound and gave Durant the ball back in the same spot for a clean swoosh for his first points of the game, as the U.S. retook a 31-29 lead.

Durant’s second bucket came on a one-legged jumper he began from outside the 3-point line, but finished it right outside the paint. A few possessions later, Durant missed a 3, got his own rebound, found Curry for an open look, grabbed Curry’s miss and then went back out to the 3-point line and made a 3 of his own to put Team USA up 41-37 with 5:07 to go in the half. He checked out just 11 seconds later. The U.S. soared to a 64-45 halftime lead after Durant subbed out. Durant ended the half with eight points (3-5 FG), two rebounds (both offensive), an assist and a steal in eight minutes.

Durant checked back into the game with 4:38 to go in the third quarter with the U.S. up 73-54. Durant’s first and only points of the second half came on a 3-pointer with 3:52 remaining in the third quarter that gave Team USA a 78-54 advantage. He was one of four U.S. players in double figures heading into the fourth with 11 points and two rebounds, as the U.S. led 87-59.

Durant passed Carmelo Anthony for the most rebounds in Team USA history with 7:59 remaining in the game. He subbed out with 4:08 remaining and did not score in the fourth period, as the Americans ended with a 103-84 win despite Puerto Rico winning the fourth quarter 24-17.

Team USA will play in the quarterfinals on Tuesday, Aug. 6 with the opponent and time still to be determined.

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