While names like Simone Biles, Michael Phelps, and Katie Ledecky often dominate discussions about Olympic legends, Kevin Durant has firmly established himself as one of the greatest in Olympic basketball history.
Durant’s status was solidified during the 2024 Paris Olympics when he set a new record for the most career points scored by a U.S. Olympic basketball player. His achievement came in a decisive 122-87 victory over Brazil in the quarterfinals, showcasing his scoring prowess on one of the world’s biggest stages.
Durant’s remarkable performance led him to surpass the previous record held by WNBA icon Lisa Leslie, who had amassed 488 points. Durant’s record now stands at 489 points, placing him at the top of the all-time scoring list for both men’s and women’s Olympic basketball.
This milestone drew congratulations from numerous prominent figures, including Leslie herself, who expressed honor and encouragement, and fellow sports legends such as Magic Johnson and Derek Jeter.
The milestone was achieved during a crucial game where Durant came off the bench and contributed significantly with 11 points, surpassing Leslie’s record in the process.
Durant’s acknowledgment of the fleeting nature of records—“Records are meant to be broken”—demonstrates his focused mindset on contributing to his team’s success rather than solely basking in personal achievements. His immediate goal is to secure another gold medal, continuing his legacy of Olympic success.
Durant’s track record in the Olympics is impressive, having led the U.S. team to gold medals in the 2012 London Games, 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, and 2020 Tokyo Games.
Over these three Olympics, he averaged 20.6 points per game, highlighting his consistency and critical role in the team’s success. Despite recent injury concerns, Durant’s scoring ability remains a key asset for the team as they advance in the 2024 tournament.
As the U.S. team gears up for the semifinals against Serbia, Durant’s role as a top scorer is undeniable. His status as the all-time leading scorer in U.S. Olympic basketball underscores his exceptional talent and significant impact on the sport. With Durant continuing to play a pivotal role, the team’s prospects for another gold medal look promising.
