RIO — The U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team began its charge toward a third straight gold medal with a 119-62 rout of China on Saturday.
Kevin Durant scored 25 points and Demarcus Cousins added 17 for the win.
Durant and Carmelo Anthony are the only two returning players from the 2012 squad that won it all in London, and the pair of NBA All-Stars showed their young teammates how the American team rolls at the Olympics. Despite not having big-name players like LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Russell Westbrook, the U.S. is an overwhelming favorite to win another title.
Durant made three 3-pointers in the first half as the U.S. opened a 29-point halftime lead and coasted.
The Americans have won 69 straight games, and improved to 81-1 under coach Mike Krzyzewski, who revived the U.S. program and plans to step down following these games.
The U.S. plays Venezuela on Monday.
