Kevin Durant Becomes U.S. Olympic Basketball Scoring Leader

Kevin Durant has made history once again, this time in U.S. Olympic basketball scoring. During the Americans’ quarterfinal game against Brazil on Tuesday, Durant surpassed Lisa Leslie to become the career leader in points for the U.S. in Olympic competition.

With a basket in the third quarter, Durant reached a total of 489 points in his four Olympic appearances, surpassing Leslie’s record of 488 points. Durant finished the game with 11 points, bringing his new record to 494 points and counting.

In a humble response to his achievement, Durant said, “Records are meant to be broken. Somebody will come along to do the same. I’m focused on trying to win this gold.” Durant is aiming to become the first men’s player in Olympic history to win four gold medals, having already secured titles in London 2012, Rio de Janeiro 2016, and the Tokyo Games.

Durant, who is the No. 8 scorer in NBA history, expressed gratitude for his longevity in the sport, attributing it to his training regimen and dedication to staying in top shape. His teammate LeBron James, the only active player ahead of him in scoring, congratulated Durant on his achievement, acknowledging him as one of his all-time favorites.

With his impressive performance in Olympic competition, Durant has solidified his place among the top U.S. players in history. He is not only the scoring leader but also the career men’s leader in rebounds in Olympic play. As Durant continues to make his mark on the court, his legacy in basketball history is sure to endure for years to come.