Kevin Durant, Team USA Finish Off Slovenia

Team USA's first game on Saturday was all about the reserves. Sunday was quite the opposite.

While the bench sparked the team and helped them start the FIBA games with a win on Saturday, they were not as effective on Sunday against Slovenia. The starters were really key in this game and it showed.

The first quarter saw the Americans get off to a fast start. The defense was swarming, leading to multiple fast break points. Kevin Durant started off hot, with seven quick points, a couple of steals, and a couple assists. He was creating for himself and even more for his teammates.

Team USA got off to a dominating start, with a 13 point lead in the first. When the reserves came in, things got sloppy. There were at least nine turnovers for the US in the second quarter alone. Those turnovers were mostly unforced, as full-court passes bounced aimlessly, and nearly every player on the floor was called for a travel or charge at some point.

With the starters out in the second quarter, Slovenia made a run, pulling to within six points. The ticky-tack fouls that Team USA picked up in the first half led to 10 Slovenia points. Both teams shot 10 of 14 from the free throw line in the first half.

Durant came back into the game late in the second quarter, and sparked a 12-2 run for Team USA. He had 15 points, four rebounds, and three assists in the first half. No other USA player had more than six points. Team USA led by 14 going into halftime.

The starters came back and started the second half like they began the first half. The smothering defense and smooth offense built up a 22 point lead just minutes into the third quarter. The aggressive defense once again led to many fast break opportunities for the US.

Chauncey Billups finished with eight points and five assists, but was really the motor of this team. The Americans were able to sustain their lead throughout the second half,  moving their FIBA record to 2-0.

Kevin Durant led Team USA with 22 points. Rudy Gay finished with 16, and Andre Iguodala and Russell Westbrook both finished with 11. Team USA won the game 99-77.

Up next for Team USA is Brazil on Monday at 2:30 ET