Kevin Durant set the tone for Team USA with an outstanding 23 points on 8-of-9 shooting, despite missing the exhibition games leading up to Paris. His return from the bench was sharp and impactful.

The U.S. men’s basketball team launched their gold medal quest at the Paris Olympics with a decisive 110-84 victory over Serbia in their opening group game.

Durant’s scoring prowess led the charge for the USA, while LeBron James, making his Olympic return since 2012, contributed 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists, picking up right where he left off in London 12 years ago. On the Serbian side, Nikola Jokić, a three-time NBA MVP, posted 20 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds. However, Serbia struggled to match the depth of the U.S. team. After a tightly contested first quarter, the United States took control and held onto their lead throughout the game.

The USA’s shooting was remarkable, with a field goal percentage of 62.3% and a three-point shooting rate of 56.3%. The dynamic movement of players like Devin Booker and Stephen Curry off the ball created significant challenges for the Serbian defense, allowing the U.S. perimeter shooters to capitalize on open opportunities. Defensively, the trio of Joel Embiid, Bam Adebayo, and Anthony Davis stood firm, effectively closing off the paint for all Serbian players except Jokić.

The U.S. roster demonstrated its depth, with Jrue Holiday adding 15 points and strong defensive plays. Booker contributed 12 points, while Curry and Anthony Edwards each had 11. Edwards also brought his distinctive flair to the game, adding some extra excitement with his flashy moves.

Durant’s return also led to a more streamlined rotation, putting reigning NBA champion Jayson Tatum on the bench for this game. Coach Steve Kerr opted to pair defensive stalwarts like Holiday and Derrick White with offensive talents, temporarily sidelining Tatum.

Even as heavy favorites for their fourth consecutive gold medal, the USA’s performance on Sunday was noteworthy. Serbia, while lacking in NBA depth, compensated with strong team chemistry and had notable achievements, including a silver medal at last year’s FIBA World Cup and the presence of NBA stars like Nikola Jović and Bogdan Bogdanović.

Next up for the USA is a match against South Sudan on Wednesday, a rematch from a close 101-100 win on July 20.