By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
USA Basketball superstar Steph Curry absolutely loved watching his former Golden State Warriors teammate Kevin Durant lighting it up against Serbia in the Olympic Games opener.
It also reminded Steph of the two seasons he and KD spent together, winning the 2017 and 2018 NBA championship titles.
“That’s the beauty of this experience,” Curry said. “Rekindling some old flames with KD. Playing with guys I’ve never played before like LeBron James and Anthony Davis and the rest of the crew that we have. I’m having the time of my life and enjoying every minute of it.”
Everyone was enjoying the Durant show, especially in the first half. Despite not playing at all in any of the exhibition games of team USA, Durant went off for 21 points on 8-8 shots to pave the way for his team’s win.
He finished with 23. Curry wasn’t surprised at all.
“Nothing he does is surprising,” Curry commented. “Being so perfect in the first half. He had 21 or something like that. It’s special and he’s so used to this stage. He’s the all-time lead scorer in the USA Basketball history for a reason.”
“It’s great to see him,” Curry added. “I know he’s chomping at the bit all exhibition window to get out there so it’s great to see him play, have fun and enjoy the group.
Curry was also pleased with how his team adapted to the way Serbia plays specifically.
“Serbia is a great team,” Curry said. “They run a very intricate offense and very physical defense. KD was unbelievable in the first half and gave us a huge boost. And then our defense in the second half opened the game. We’re still trying to fill an identity around who we are with this 12-man group and it’s important to stay focused on not just getting a win but how we do it.”
“You know from team to team it requires a different strategy,” Curry also mentioned. “You can pick any of the five out of us 12. It’s an all -star Hall of Fame lineup out there. We just have to play like it so it’s important to stay focused.
This was the first-ever Olympic Games appearance for Steph Curry. He represented Team USA on a senior level in the 2010 and 2014 World Championship tournaments but due to various reasons, he hadn’t managed to participate in the Olympics, until now at 36.
“I think I had a lot of nerves pre -game up until the national anthem,” Curry said. “It’s a really cool environment in there and obviously it was sold out to the nosebleeds and the energy was great.”
“Putting on this jersey at this level like you said I’ve been looking forward to it for a very long time and I’m just enjoying the moment so that’s why you see me so animated from the open ceremonies to tonight when I’m on the bench like I’m loving it so I want to have something to show for it at the end too.”