PHOENIX — The United States avoided a major scare against Serbia in the Olympic basketball semifinals today, winning 95-91. Stephen Curry was undoubtedly the catalyst for the win, but Phoenix Suns stars Devin Booker and Kevin Durant also played key roles in the victory.

Booker had one of the more modest statistical performances among the USA’s key players today, but played the entire fourth quarter of a game that was ultimately won 32-15.

Booker has increased his best rating for his team from +/- to +112 in the 10 exhibition fights/Olympics held – and he continues to be the unheralded star of his team.

That he remains in the rotation with four former MVPs is a testament to how highly regarded the Suns star is – and he more than repaid it by playing tough defense and hitting a key three-pointer to further boost the momentum in the U.S. team’s favor.

Durant, the leading scorer in Olympic history, shot 1 of 6 to start the game, finished 4 of 8 and scored his game-winning goal with 30 seconds left.

Durant remains one of those quintessential players who can take over any game on a whim. He didn’t let his slow start affect his finishing. He didn’t force it. He stepped up when he was needed most.

As for his teammate, the trust placed in Booker likely means he will once again play a major role and get plenty of playing time in the all-important gold medal battle against host nation France.

Booker could likely be on his way to as many as four gold medals by the end of Saturday, while Durant himself could have reached number four.

The fact that the two stars are among the best and most influential players on the US team should bode well for the future, as both appear rejuvenated and reinvented after a tough 2023-24 season.

The bottom line is that if Durant and Booker continue this success with the Suns next season, we could have much better chances in the 2024/25 season.