Nba, United States | featured news

Kevin Durant scored 28 points - 17 during a stunning, long-range shooting display in the third quarter - and the U.S. Olympic men's basketball team blasted into the medal round with a 126-97 win over Argentina on Monday night.

The United States won their first world championship title in 16 years after beating hosts Turkey 81-64 in the final thanks to a majestic performance by 21-year-old forward Kevin Durant.

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Chauncey Billups made the promise. Kevin Durant made sure it was kept. And by beating Russia on Thursday, the Americans brought a little joy to one of the players who will never forget what happened against the Soviets exactly 38 years earlier.

Before it can win a world championship, the United States needed to start looking like a world champion. Kevin Durant, Chauncey Billups and the rest of the Americans finally had that appearance Monday, powering into the quarterfinals with a 121-66 victory over Angola.

For young, established N.B.A. players, the possibility of not being needed on the national team can be an eye-opening experience.