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INTEGRIS Game Day Report: Thunder at Real Madrid – Oct. 3, 2016

Broadcast Information:

Tip-off: 1:30 p.m. CT

Television: NBA TV

Radio: WWLS the Sports Animal and the Thunder Radio Network

MADRID -- The curtain opens tonight for the 2016-17 Thunder, who after 10 days of training camp will square off against its first external foe – Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid.

This competitive preseason battle is an important step in the Thunder’s journey this year, as the team tries to find itself and lock in on the identity that will carry the team forward for the next eight months. Continuing to build day-by-day will only increase this team’s cohesion, with Russell Westbrook spearheading the effort to make sure that all of his teammates are involved and playing to their strengths. Putting one another in positions to succeed is how teams maximize the impact of their talent, and that process involves trying out different lineups and groups, like the Thunder will do tonight.

“We’ll just work on what we’ve been working on, try to translate it to the game and run our stuff,” Westbrook explained.

“Our guys are looking forward to the season, looking forward to getting better and finding ways to win games,” Westbrook added.

As for the opponent, even if NBA fans don’t watch Real Madrid’s basketball club regularly, theywill certainly recognize some of the players on the roster. Gustavo Ayon, Rudy Fernandez, Sergio Llull, Andres Nocioni, Anthony Randolph and Jeff Taylor should all ring bells to fans in the U.S. either because of their previous NBA experience or their roles internationally at the Olympics and World Championships. Training began for Real Madrid about a month ago, so not only is this team talented, it’s a well-rehearsed unit.

“We’re going to get tested in a lot of ways,” Donovan said. “We’re dealing with a very experienced team and a talented team.”

As Westbrook said at shootaround, he only knows how to play one way, so he and his Thunder mates will certainly be focused on making the right plays, hustling and aiming for victory. The final outcome of tonight’s game, however, isn’t quite as important as the way the Thunder goes about its business. Not only is this an opportunity to work on the core fundamentals that will be vital to the team as the season progresses, but it’s also a wonderful chance to step into the light in an international setting and represent Oklahoma City and the NBA.

“Anytime the NBA comes overseas to play, in a lot of ways this is a big deal,” Donovan said. “This will be a great challenge for our team. We’re going to find out a little bit more about ourselves after today.”

Watch: Game Day Preview at Real Madrid