Suns' Stars Lead Team USA to Comfortable Victory

Team USA finishes group play 3-0 thanks to Devin Booker and Kevin Durant.

Jul 28, 2024; Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France; Team USA during the national anthems before a game against Serbia during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports / John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

PHOENIX -- Team USA overcame a rough start in their final group stage game to coast to victory over Puerto Rico, once again relying on the duo of Phoenix Suns stars in Devin Booker and Kevin Durant to achieve a resounding victory.

Head coach Steve Kerr went with yet another new starting combination featuring Steph Curry, Booker, Jayson Tatum, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid.

Booker is still the only player to be featured in every starting lineup.

Puerto Rico posed an early threat to the U.S. behind New Orleans Pelicans PG Jose Alvarado's hot start to the game.

Puerto Rico entered the second quarter ahead by. score of 29-25, but a quick surge from the Americans helped them retake the lead quickly - though Puerto Rico remained competitive.

A late surge for Team USA that was spearheaded by Booker turned a competitive contest into a 64-45 drubbing by halftime.

Kevin Durant 8 points.

Devin Booker checks back in. Team USA up 44-41.#TeamUSA #Suns #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/fAC8uBKVZ9

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) August 3, 2024

Booker chipped in seven points while Durant recorded eight on yet another efficient display.

Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves was the catalyst behind Team USA expanding the lead to nearly 30 going into the final quarter. The Americans led 87-59 after 30 minutes of action.

The squad eventually broke the 100 point plateau for the third consecutive game, winning 104-83 with 26 points from Edwards, 11 from Durant, and 9 from Booker.

Devin Booker layup on one end, forces shot clock violation on the other.

Team USA up 75-54 in the 3rd. #Suns #TeamUSA #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/aSU8eG7aYD

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) August 3, 2024

The Americans go into the quarterfinals of the tournament with a 3-0 record and the best point differential of the 12 teams in the fray - they will be the number 1 seed in the knockout stage which is set to begin on Tuesday.