TOKYO: Kevin Durant on Wednesday said two shock defeats for the USA leading into the Tokyo Olympics was the "punch in the mouth" they needed to fire them up as they search for a fourth consecutive gold medal. Ordinarily the three-time defending champions would be strong favorites in Japan, but they were exposed this month in Las Vegas, crashing in exhibition games to Nigeria then third-ranked Australia. Usman Garuba #16 of Spain shoots against Keldon Johnson #40 and Kevin Durant #7 of the United States during an exhibition game at Michelob ULTRA Arena ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games on July 18, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. I feel like the guys are getting more comfortable with each other and their roles on the team," said the Brooklyn Nets star. The United States defeated Spain 83-76.

Source: Manila Times July 21, 2021 10:41 UTC