Thunder Teammates Meet Up in USA vs. Spain Game
In a battle between two international basketball powers this afternoon that pits NBA teammates against one another, Oklahoma City will be represented strongly.
For the very first time, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden will play against their Thunder teammate Serge Ibaka outside of a practice setting… but it likely won’t be the last time. With a combined record of 11-0 in exhibition play this July, it seems likely these two squads will meet up in the medal rounds of the Olympics in August.
Today at 3:30 p.m. Central on ESPN2, Team USA will take on the Spanish National Team in both squads' final exhibition game in the buildup to the 2012 Summer Olympics, which begin Friday in London with the Opening Ceremonies. Ibaka plays for Spain, while Durant, Westbrook and Harden all represent the United States.
Spain will have the home-court advantage today, with the game being played in Barcelona, but both teams will put their perfect exhibition records to the test.
Led by Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski, USA has racked up a 4-0 mark in exhibition play with victories over the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Great Britain and Argentina. Spain is 7-0 in pre-Olympics play, having defeated France twice, Australia twice, Great Britain, Tunisia and Argentina.
Ibaka has made an impact for Spain, averaging 9.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game while working alongside fellow NBA big men Pau Gasol (Los Angeles Lakers) and his brother Marc (Memphis Grizzlies).
On the other side of the court, Durant has started the last two games for Team USA, scoring 27 points in its most recent win, a hard-fought victory against Argentina. With a consistent shooting stroke from the outside, Durant has been a go-to scorer for Team USA, while Westbrook has been one of the first men off the bench to add a defensive spark and to use his athleticism to attack the basket. In fact, he and Harden had their best games thus far against Great Britain, when Westbrook notched 15 points and nine assists and Harden had nine points and three assists.
For the very first time, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden will play against their Thunder teammate Serge Ibaka outside of a practice setting… but it likely won’t be the last time. With a combined record of 11-0 in exhibition play this July, it seems likely these two squads will meet up in the medal rounds of the Olympics in August.
Today at 3:30 p.m. Central on ESPN2, Team USA will take on the Spanish National Team in both squads' final exhibition game in the buildup to the 2012 Summer Olympics, which begin Friday in London with the Opening Ceremonies. Ibaka plays for Spain, while Durant, Westbrook and Harden all represent the United States.
Spain will have the home-court advantage today, with the game being played in Barcelona, but both teams will put their perfect exhibition records to the test.
Led by Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski, USA has racked up a 4-0 mark in exhibition play with victories over the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Great Britain and Argentina. Spain is 7-0 in pre-Olympics play, having defeated France twice, Australia twice, Great Britain, Tunisia and Argentina.
Ibaka has made an impact for Spain, averaging 9.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game while working alongside fellow NBA big men Pau Gasol (Los Angeles Lakers) and his brother Marc (Memphis Grizzlies).
On the other side of the court, Durant has started the last two games for Team USA, scoring 27 points in its most recent win, a hard-fought victory against Argentina. With a consistent shooting stroke from the outside, Durant has been a go-to scorer for Team USA, while Westbrook has been one of the first men off the bench to add a defensive spark and to use his athleticism to attack the basket. In fact, he and Harden had their best games thus far against Great Britain, when Westbrook notched 15 points and nine assists and Harden had nine points and three assists.
