Records are meant to be broken, and Kevin Durant has solidified his place in history as Team USA’s Olympic basketball emperor. Pursuing his fourth gold medal, Durant surpassed WNBA legend Lisa Leslie’s record, etching his name into the annals of Olympic greatness. Coming off the bench in the quarter-finals clash against Brazil, KD dropped 11 points, with a crucial dunk pushing his career total to 488 points. This remarkable feat made him Team USA’s all-time scoring leader at the Olympics, a title previously held by Leslie.
The moment of triumph and reflection
Following the game, the veteran forward took to his X handle, formerly known as Twitter, to share his thoughts and gratitude. Addressing Lisa Leslie and a “future star” who might one day surpass his record, Durant wrote, “Records are meant to be broken, I’ll hold on to this until another great comes along and passes me up… Lisa Leslie, you are the gold standard in basketball. I appreciate your love and support throughout the years… much love to you always… it’s all about the gold, baby. Let’s get it, fellas.”
Records are meant to be broken, I’ll hold on to this until another great comes along and passes me up…Lisa Leslie you are the gold standard in basketball, I appreciate your love and support throughout the years..much love to you always…it’s all about the gold baby. Let’s get… pic.twitter.com/huJxy8Qywa
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) August 7, 2024
The post included a memorable group photo of Team USA on a fleet of stairs, relaxing after their victory. Durant not only hailed Leslie as the “gold standard” but also called on his team to achieve their ultimate goal of winning the gold medal. There was, however, a subtle undercurrent in his message directed at the young and talented Anthony Edwards.
Passing the torch: Anthony Edwards in the spotlight
Anthony Edwards, the 23-year-old shooting guard, has been drawing comparisons to a younger version of Michael Jordan by a section of the fanbase. In his post, Durant hinted at the future, acknowledging the possibility that someone might break his record. This subtle nod seems to be directed at Edwards, who has been a rising star in the current Olympic campaign. In the last four games, Edwards has scored 67 points, with a high of 26 against Puerto Rico. With two more potential games to play, Edwards could easily cross the three-digit mark in his debut Olympic appearance.
Lisa Leslie’s congratulatory message
Moments after Team USA’s victory over Brazil, Lisa Leslie took to her X handle to congratulate Durant. The 52-year-old former player wrote, “Congratulations @KDTrey5, I’m honored to have you break my @TeamUSA Olympic record!!! Our dedication to our country is evident and etched in stone!! Now go get another Gold medal, my friend! One Team, One Goal, Gold!” Leslie’s heartfelt message served as a reminder that Durant’s mission was not yet complete – the ultimate prize was still the gold medal.
A legacy of gold
Beyond breaking Leslie’s scoring record, Durant has the chance to reach yet another milestone. He currently holds the joint USA men’s record for the most Olympic gold medals alongside Carmelo Anthony, with three each. This Olympics presents a golden opportunity for Durant to claim his fourth gold, further solidifying his legacy before potentially retiring from the international stage. On the women’s side, WNBA legend Sue Bird holds the record with five gold medals, a testament to the heights that Durant could aspire to.
Kevin Durant
The road ahead: facing Serbia
Next, Team USA will face Serbia in the semi-finals. The American team has already defeated the European side twice in recent weeks, which could be both a confidence booster and a potential pitfall. Serbia, coming off a significant 26-point comeback victory over the Boomers, has placed its hopes on NBA MVP Nikola Jokić to lead them to glory. Team USA will need to be at their best to resist the Serbian storm and help Durant achieve his fourth gold medal.
The enduring spirit of competition
As Kevin Durant continues his Olympic journey, the echoes of past legends like Lisa Leslie and the potential of future stars like Anthony Edwards create a compelling narrative of dedication, excellence, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. The Slim Reaper’s message to the next generation of players underscores the enduring spirit of competition that drives the world’s best athletes to continually raise the bar.
Will Team USA withstand the challenge from Serbia and secure another gold medal? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.