Team USA defeated Argentina in an international friendly on Friday in preparation of the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
2016 USA Basketball Showcase at Oracle Arena
USA vs. ChinaTuesday, July 26 @ 7:00 p.m.
Kevin Durant shined in a game that the U.S. Men's National Team was able to dominate from start to finish. In the first game of their Showcase series in advance of the 2016 Olympic Games, Team USA was able to control the game, ultimately winning 111-74, backed by a game-high 23 points from Durant. In addition to Durant's scoring prowess, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green played significant roles in the victory which saw every member of Team USA make at least one shot.
The early stages of the game were paced by big men DeMarcus Cousins and DeAndre Jordan as the team opened up 1-for-10 from deep. As the game wore on, though, players began to find their groove. Durant went 4-for-9 from three-point range, and scored 11 points in the fourth quarter to help build Team USA's lead. Thompson, who started the game along with Durant, chipped in nine points and made a three-point field goal of his own.
Green had three points, three rebounds, and three assists in a well-rounded effort that he has become well known for. All of his rebounds came on the offensive end, including a pair on the same possession where he ultimately found Paul George open for a three-pointer. The game was comfortably in hand for Team USA from the early going, and they took a 32-14 lead into the second quarter. In that second quarter, Durant, Green, and Thompson saw significant run-time together, giving fans a preview of what's to come for the Warriors next season.
Overall, the length and athleticism of the U.S. team proved to be too much for Argentina to contend with. All three Warriors players held significant roles in the game, a trend that should continue throughout the upcoming Showcase games and eventually in the Rio Olympic tournament. The next Team USA game comes against Team China on July 24th, and Bay Area fans can catch the Warriors trio live at Oracle Arena on July 26th when they take on China once again.
