Kevin Durant feels like he's at his best as a player when he is more concerned with the process rather than the outcome.

“I was telling myself before I left my room that I’m at my best when I don’t care if we win or lose,” Durant said after his best game of these Olympics with 27 points, seven rebounds and six assists against Argentina. “It might be different for other players, but for me I’m more free and more aggressive in games and it’s more fun for me if I don’t care about the outcome.”

Durant typically writes, “Have Fun” and “Smile” on his sneakers but forgot to scribble that reminder before facing Argentina.

“It’s always embedded in me, always knowing that’s why I play the game. I had fun playing as a kid, so why change it?” Durant said. “I always try to tell myself, just smile out there and have fun. My smile is contagious and my energy and enthusiasm is contagious and I try to spread that to my teammates.”

Durant is pursuing his second gold medal.

“I know if I go out there and be who I am, the outcome will dictate itself,” Durant said. “Because I know I put the work in. I love the game. I study the game. So if I go out there and let that stuff take over instead of me getting in my own way mentally, good results will come out of it. I’m not saying I don’t care about winning and losing. Obviously, I prepare the right way. I work hard and I love playing the game with my teammates, but I can’t overthink the game too much.”