A viral scene involving NBA players LeBron James and Kevin Durant preceded this USA Basketball match. On Saturday, USA Basketball will play a Showcase Game versus South Sudan, and Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns will not be playing. One of Team USA’s most prominent NBA players, Durant has been out due to a calf injury.
The following was written on X by NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic on Friday, indicating that Durant is getting close to making a comeback:
“Sources: Kevin Durant is expected to return to Team USA practice today in London – his first with this Olympic team – and could make his debut in one of exhibition games vs. South Sudan on Saturday or vs. Germany on Monday. He is returning from a strained calf.”
Sources: Kevin Durant is expected to return to Team USA practice today in London – his first with this Olympic team – and could make his debut in one of exhibition games vs. South Sudan on Saturday or vs. Germany on Monday. He is returning from a strained calf. https://t.co/fVdI84UxCa
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 19, 2024
LeBron James’s hillarious pre game routine gets trolled by Kevin Durrant
Durant warmed up on the court with Team USA, which was encouraging, even though he did not play against South Sudan on Saturday.
LeBron James, the star of the Los Angeles Lakers, was caught in the thick of Durant’s pregame chalk toss during these warmups, and the video has gone viral on social media:
KD got all of LeBron’s chalk toss 🤣
USA-South Sudan | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/PiqZc6t1xv
— NBA (@NBA) July 20, 2024
Against South Sudan, the USA severely faltered in the first half and trailed 58-44 at the break. USA came into this game as heavy favorites, but they were taken aback by South Sudan’s performance in the first half. Even with so much skill missing in Durant’s absence, Team USA will soon need the Suns star’s return as the Olympic games in Paris draw near.
James led the USA in scoring with 12 points at the half, making him the game’s best player in the first half:
Tough finish. 💪
🇺🇸 #USABMNT x 📺 @FoxSports pic.twitter.com/JNNSIhWqcz
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 20, 2024
James, the group leader, will draw on his experience playing for USA Basketball as they continue their run.
