Kevin Durant Surpasses Lisa Leslie to Set New US Olympic Scoring Record

The Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant has set a new benchmark in U.S. Olympic basketball history.

PARIS, France — In Tuesday’s quarterfinal game against Brazil, Durant eclipsed Lisa Leslie’s long-standing record, becoming the highest-scoring player in U.S. Olympic basketball competition.

Durant’s pivotal basket late in the third quarter brought his career Olympic points to 489, surpassing Leslie’s 488. With his final tally of 11 points for the game, his record now stands at 494 — with more potential as the competition continues.

“Records are meant to be broken,” Durant commented. “My focus is on securing this gold medal.”

Durant aims to make history as the first male player to clinch four Olympic gold medals, having previously triumphed in London 2012, Rio de Janeiro 2016, and Tokyo 2020.

Durant attributes his sustained performance to rigorous training and consistency. “Training staffs and staying in the gym have kept my body prepared,” he noted last week.

Currently ranking No. 8 in NBA history with 28,924 points, Durant trails only teammate LeBron James among active players.

Former record-holder Leslie acknowledged Durant’s achievement, tweeting, “Congrats to @KDTrey5! The Slim Reaper!! One of my all-time favorites!”

Durant’s scoring prowess is likely to stand for years. Only four other U.S. players have surpassed 300 Olympic points: Leslie, WNBA’s Diana Taurasi, the retired Carmelo Anthony, and LeBron James, who likely plays his last Olympics.

“He’s one of the most efficient players that ever played this game,” said U.S. and Suns teammate Devin Booker.

In addition to his scoring record, Durant also leads the U.S. in Olympic rebounds. His recent performance against Puerto Rico placed him ahead of Anthony and David Robinson.

Leslie remains the top U.S. rebounder in Olympic history with 241 in her 32 games.