In a notable moment during the men’s Olympic basketball competition, Kevin Durant surpassed Lisa Leslie’s long-standing record for Team USA’s highest Olympic scoring. Durant scored 11 points in Team USA’s victory over Brazil, bringing his total to 494 points. This achievement breaks Leslie’s record of 488 points, which was accumulated over her four Olympic appearances representing Team USA. Durant still has the opportunity to extend his record further with two games remaining in the current Olympics.
Lisa Leslie, the former USC women’s basketball star and a revered figure in Olympic and professional basketball, took to X (formerly Twitter) to offer her congratulations. Leslie expressed her pride and encouraged Durant to pursue another gold medal. “Congratulations Kevin Durant!” Leslie wrote. “I’m honored to have you break my Team USA Olympic record!!! Our dedication to our country is evident and etched in stone!! Now go get another Gold medal my friend! One Team, One Goal, Gold!”
In response, Durant acknowledged Leslie’s influence and support. “Records are meant to be broken, I’ll hold on to this until another great comes along and passes me up,” Durant commented on X. “Lisa Leslie, you are the gold standard in basketball. I appreciate your love and support throughout the years … much love to you always … it’s all about the gold baby. Let’s get it fellas.
Leslie’s impact on the game extends beyond her record. She was an essential member of the United States Women’s National Team, contributing to their gold medal wins at the Olympics in Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, and Beijing 2008. Her leadership helped the U.S. women’s team secure seven consecutive gold medals, a remarkable streak that highlights their dominance in Olympic basketball. The team is currently striving for their eighth straight gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
Kevin Durant, now competing in his fourth Olympic Games, has also been a key player for the U.S. men’s team. He has previously led the team to gold medals in London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020. Durant’s continued excellence on the international stage reinforces his legacy as one of the premier basketball players of his generation.
Before his Olympic success, Durant was a standout at the University of Texas, where he played from 2006 to 2007. He was the Naismith College Player of the Year during his freshman year, showcasing his exceptional talent early in his career. Durant’s collegiate success paved the way for his storied professional career, which includes multiple NBA championships and MVP awards.
Lisa Leslie’s career is equally illustrious. Before her Olympic triumphs, Leslie played at USC from 1990 to 1994, where she was a dominant force. She averaged over 18 points per game in all four seasons, culminating in an impressive 1994 season where she averaged 21.9 points, 12.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.1 steals, and 3.1 blocks per game. Her performance earned her the Naismith College Player of the Year award and helped lead USC to the Elite Eight, a milestone the program would not reach again until recently.
Leslie’s influence extended into the WNBA, where she became one of the league’s greatest players. She won two WNBA championships and was awarded three WNBA MVP awards. Her contributions to the sport have been recognized with her induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
In summary, Kevin Durant’s achievement in surpassing Lisa Leslie’s Olympic scoring record is a significant milestone in his career and a testament to his sustained excellence on the international stage. Leslie’s gracious acknowledgment of Durant’s accomplishment and her ongoing support underscore the respect and camaraderie that exist among basketball’s elite players. Both athletes have left indelible marks on the sport, each contributing to their respective teams’ successes and inspiring future generations of players.
