SAITAMA (Japan) -- Kevin Durant's commitment to play was the best thing Team USA had going this summer. He reminded everyone of why on Saturday.Durant, who became the all-time leading American scorer at the Olympics, added another remarkable performance to Team USA's record with a 119-84 win over the Czech Republic.Team USA secured second place in their group and a spot in the quarterfinals. The match time and opponent of Team USA will be decided in a draw on Sunday. France can only be rematched until the semifinals.Due to their blowout wins in both games, Team USA will be in a favorable position. They will avoid Australia, Spain, and possibly even Luka Doncic-led Slovenia during the quarters.Durant ended with 23 points, on 8-of-11 shooting. This was crucial for the cause. However, his playmaking and defense were equally important as he had eight rebounds and six assists. He was a master of the game in the third quarter. Durant scored 10 points on 8-of-11 shooting and four of his assists, turning it from a close game into a comfortable win.In Tokyo, Durant had a slow start. He scored just 20 points in his first two games and shot just 40%. Durant was slow in Vegas' first two games. He admitted that everything felt like practice. Durant shot only 43%. He then fouled out in the first loss to France, which was a crucial factor in the Americans offensive struggles.Durant was left behind in the first week of the tournament after Doncic scored 48 points in his Olympic debut and Australia's Patty Mills put up impressive performances.He looked for his shot early Saturday and all that lethargy vanished. The Czechs were off to a great start, scoring eight of their first eleven shots and taking a 10-point lead. Durant, however, led the charge to surpass them. His 3-pointer in quarter two gave the U.S. a commanding lead.It was a crucial basket not only because it moved the team ahead but also because Durant (354 point) passed Carmelo Anthony (336 points) for the all time scoring lead. Durant's international career has been impeccable. He was a key figure in the national team's success for the next ten years, and he even won the 2010 World Cup.Jayson Tatum had a great evening, scoring 27 points and making five 3-pointers. Tatum had to be moved from his starting position due to a minor injury to his knee in Vegas. Although he had been positioned by Coach Gregg Popovich to be an impact scorer from the bench, he shot just 40% in his first two games.Jrue Holiday scored 11 points, again showing great defensive skills as he relentlessly pressured the ball and took three steals.Blake Schilb led the Czechs with 17 points. He played at Loyola Chicago.Other action saw Mills score 24 points and Jock Landale add 18. Australia won 89-76 against Germany to win group play. Nic Kay scored 16 points to help the Australians win in a tight game.The Australians won Group B with a 3-0 victory. This balanced pool featured Germany, Italy, and Australia competing against each other.Italy will be relegated to the Olympic quarterfinals by Nigeria. Nicolo Melli had 15 points and Nico Mannion had 14. Italy won the final Group B men's basketball game 80-71.Chimezie Metu was awarded 22 points, while Jordan Nwora scored 20 for Nigeria. The Nigerians began the summer in Las Vegas with an exhibition win over Argentina and the U.S., but they did not go any further under Mike Brown for their first Olympic appearance.
