With superstars like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant playing, it might be easy to miss out on the fact that the Team USA 2012 Summer Olympics basketball team features three members of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
After the big 98-71 win over France, it is hard to ignore.
Kevin Durant led Team USA to the big win with 22 points in the contest. The three-time NBA scoring leader led both teams with 22 points. The second closest competitor was U.S. reserve Kevin Love with 14. NBA MVP LeBron James only scored nine in the game.
"We don't care who scores," Durant said. "Guys are making the right basketball plays. We have so many great passers and scorers, it doesn't matter. I'm blessed that I'm a part of this team."
Durant was on fire the entire game, hitting three 3-pointers in five attempts and finishing the win with a perfect 7-of-7 on free throw attempts. He was also not the only Thunder player to make a scene in the game. Reserve point guard Russell Westbrook finished the game with nine points, equal to that of starter Bryant. James Harden, Bryant's backup, finished with five.
It is clear to see how the Oklahoma City Thunder are the NBA's hottest young team. Add to the fact that power forward Serge Ibaka is also playing in the Olympics for Spain, and you have four players from one NBA squad competing at a high level in the games.
"It's crazy, I'm just happy that I'm here," Durant said. "I'm just trying to represent as much as I can. I'm looking forward to playing again."
With Durant playing so well, surrounded by such great players, it is clear to see that the Team USA 2012 Summer Olympics basketball team might be one of the best of all time. What is amazing is that the core includes three players from one of the NBA's youngest teams.
Images from Wikimedia Commons



