After weeks of recovery, Kevin Durant is finally back in peak form. The Slim Reaper led the squad to a 110-84 victory, putting up 23 points. This performance ranks third in the top opening-game performances, showcasing his dominance post-injury. Durant’s exceptional play makes a strong case for him to start in the game against South Sudan. It was only a matter of time until he returned fully healthy, but this also means a rotation adjustment is expected.

The decision, based on team rotations similar to the previous game, involves benching another star player. Jayson Tatum did not play against Serbia, a pre-planned decision, as evidenced by his absence from warm-ups. However, the next player to sit out won’t be Joel Embiid. Brian Windhorst recently shared insights on Team USA’s game plan. “Listen, Devin Booker yesterday, had 12 points and 5 assists and he’s probably gonna get benched cause Durant is gonna go on the starting lineup. Like, that’s the nature Team USA, I get it.”, said Windhorst.

Active rotations mean another player will sit out the whole game, but Durant starting changes the dynamics entirely. South Sudan is the toughest opponent in the group stage, and various factors come into play. Given the current lineup, benching Booker to bring in Durant, another scorer, makes sense.

Steph is the ultimate shooter, James is the go-to scorer, Embiid is the rim protector, and Holiday is the defensive specialist. This leaves a spot for another scorer, a role filled by Booker until now. Kevin Durant, being one of the most gifted scorers, will take this spot when he starts. The Slim Reaper has the most decorated career in international basketball and aims to continue his success. There’s a specific reason to start Durant against South Sudan.

Kevin Durant will be the key to win over South Sudan

Now, the Sudanese are tall. Heck, they are tall and athletic. This doesn’t overshadow the veterans and their agility, but it does play a role in terms of defense. The Americans were struggling to score on the taller defenders but somehow managed to switch screens as well as defenders to make an easy bucket. But where does Kevin Durant come in? Last time, Team USA had Tatum and Edwards as their most versatile scorers. Now the reason why KD will be the key on the offensive end is his threat from beyond the arc and mid-range.

At his size, pretty much every defender would be a mismatch, especially the way the Sudanese defended guys like Steph and Tatum last time. It will be interesting to see Durant finally start alongside Steph and LeBron. If Team USA is looking to top Group C, they only have to be concerned about the Sudanese. What are your thoughts on Kevin Durant starting in the next game? Do you think Booker will sit the game out? Let us know in the comments.

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