It’s obvious Team USA is still search for its identity in London.
The roster has only one true center, three dominant scoring small forwards and is transitioning away from relying on Kobe Bryant to lead the offensive attack.
In its first Olympic contest of the summer, the United States overcame foul trouble, poor long range shooting and a shaky first quarter to defeat France 98-71.
Kevin Durant, the NBA’s scoring champion each of the past three seasons, solidified himself as the primary scoring threat, pouring in 22 points to lead all scorers.
With Team USA still trying to establish an identity for each of its 12 players, Durant as the top scoring option is becoming clear.
The 6-foot-11 star knocked down 3-of-5 attempts from 3-point range, sank each of his seven free throw attempts, grabbed nine rebounds, blocked two shots and recorded two steals.
The complete performance was a necessity for Team USA following a shaky first quarter.
Yannick Bokolo sank a 3-pointer at the buzzer to bring France to within one point, but the successful long range shooting was short lived.
Kevin Durant led all scorers with 22 points as the United States defeated France 98-71.
France shot 55 percent from the field on two-point attempts, but converted just 2-of-22 of its attempts from 3-point range, for a shooting percentage of just nine percent.
Tony Parker, playing in his first non-exhibition contest since nearly losing his left eye during an attack in a night club, offered little help for the French offense, converting on just 4-of-11 attempts from the field while converting four turnovers and dishing out one assist.
Once the second quarter began, Team USA was able to dominate.
The United States doubled the scoring output of its opponent in the period as Durant scored eight points in quarter.
Durant nearly played 28 minutes, more than any other player, but managed to rest most of the fourth quarter as the United States pulled ahead.
Anthony Davis, the first overall pick of the 2012 NBA Draft, logged eight minutes in the fourth quarter, scored three points along with two rebounds and a block, providing the United States an option at center in case Tyson Chandler gets into foul trouble.
The United States has begun to establish its offensive identity, with Durant as the scorer and LeBron James as the distributor.
James attempted just six shots, scoring nine points but dished out a game-high eight assists for the United States.
Team USA plays its next contest Tuesday against Tunisia.
