Durant, Love lead U.S. victory

ISTANBUL – Kevin Durant’s shooting and Kevin Love’s strength sent the United States to a 2-0 start in the world championship.

Durant scored 22 points, Love added 10 points and 11 rebounds off the bench, and the Americans beat Slovenia 99-77 on Sunday in an opening-round game.

Playing a rare early game, the U.S. players stalled after a quick start. But Durant came through with a basket whenever they needed it, and Love always seemed to be around the ball – even when a Slovenian player tried holding his arm so he couldn’t get it.

Rudy Gay finished with 16 points for the Americans (2-0), while Russell Westbrook and Andre Iguodala each had 11. Durant shot 8 of 13 before sitting out the fourth quarter.

Bostjan Nachbar scored 13 points for Slovenia (1-1), which had an enormous edge in the stands but not enough to match the Americans on the court.

Slovenian fans, many dressed in green shirts, lined the streets outside the arena some 90 minutes before tipoff. They filled large areas throughout the arena, and stood and roared when the Slovenians came out for pregame warmups.

The Americans face Brazil (2-0) at 11:30 a.m. today (ESPN).