Suni Lee left jaw-dropped over Kevin Durant's praise after bronze medal win
Kevin Durant and several other U.S. men's Olympic basketball team members attended Thursday's women’s artistic gymnastics all-around final. Afterward, the superstar forward shouted out American gymnast Suni Lee on social media, who appeared pleasantly surprised by the recognition.
Amid its quest for gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Team USA had a day off on Thursday, ahead of Saturday's final group-phase matchup. That allowed several of its stars, including Durant, Steph Curry, Devin Booker, Tyrese Haliburton and Jrue Holiday, to support some of their fellow Olympians.
That includes Lee, who secured her second medal at this summer's Olympics, winning bronze at the women's all-around gymnastics final. She finished behind fellow American Simone Biles (gold) and Brazil's Rebeca Andrade (silver) after securing gold in the same event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Lee, who won gold with the U.S. women's gymnastics squad during Tuesday's team final, has five medals through two Olympic appearances.
Following her latest bronze medal victory, Durant lauded Lee, who achieved the feat despite battling two kidney diseases, on his Instagram story.
"[Suni Lee], one of one Durant said.
Lee later reacted to the two-time NBA champion's praise, expressing apparent disbelief on her IG story.
"OMG, somebody pick my jaw up," Lee said.
Durant also referenced Biles as the "GOAT" multiple times on X/Twitter, raving about her athleticism. She has nine medals through three Olympic appearances, making her the U.S.'s all-time most decorated Olympic gymnast.
"Goat Biles," Durant said.
"I really believe Goat Biles can catch a lob and finish. #bounce," Durant added.
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Kevin Durant feeling motivated after watching Simone Biles and Suni Lee
After supporting Simone Biles and Suni Lee at the women's all-around gymnastics final, Kevin Durant highlighted his motivation to replicate their success with Team USA.
"It’s just fire, man," Durant said. "You see them getting medals, you want to do the same thing. You see them out here displaying greatness, you want to do the same thing. Athletes inspire athletes, and greatness inspires greatness, brother."
On Wednesday, Durant and Team USA clinched a spot in the men's Olympic basketball tournament's quarterfinals, defeating South Sudan 103-86.
The Americans remain undefeated through two group-phase contests and five exhibition games. They conclude group play against Puerto Rico on Saturday, which has already been eliminated from quarterfinal contention.
Durant is seeking his historic fourth gold medal at this summer's Olympics, while Team USA is chasing its fifth consecutive.
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