words // Brandon Richard
Nobody said it would be easy, and though Team USA coasted in the early stages of Sunday's Barcelona exhibition, Argentina showed us exactly why they're the world's third ranked FIBA team. Despite trailing the United States by 15 points after the first quarter, the Argentines rallied for advantages in two of the remaining three quarters. However, game MVP Kevin Durant came up with timely buckets late in the fourth to help the Americans hold on to a slim 86-80 victory.
Durant scored 27 points in the game after knocking down 7-of-11 3-point attempts. Kobe Bryant added 18 points, while LeBron James rolled out his usual triple-threat stat line with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Manu Ginobili scored 23 to lead the way for Argentina.
Next up for the United States is rival Spain tomorrow afternoon.
Though they were tested like the Dream Team never was, Team USA celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the '92 team's dominance in Barcelona by wearing throwback jerseys. Check out the Dream Team kits and USA-themed kicks in this special edition of Sneaker Watch.
images via ESPN
Kevin Durant dunks in the Nike Zoom KD IV "USA."
Kobe Bryant works the post in a PE USA colorway of the Nike Kobe VII.
Manu Ginobili duels with Kobe in an iD colorway of the Nike LeBron 9.
Luis Scola drives in kicks by ANTA; Tyson Chandler defends in the "USA" Nike Lunar Hyperdunk.
LeBron James looks to set up a play in a PE "USA" colorway of the Nike Lunar Hyperdunk + Sport Pack.
Chris Paul brings the ball up the court in his "USA" Jordan CP3.V PE.
Carmelo Anthony runs down a loose ball in the "USA" Jordan Melo M8.
Andres Nocioni chased down in the "Argentina" Nike Lunar Hyperdunk.
Andre Iguodala shoots a three in the "USA" Nike Lunar Hyperdunk.
Facundo Campazzo with a tough assignment in the "Hard Knocks" adidas adiZero Rose 2.5.
Russell Westbrook lets one fly in the "USA" Nike Zoom Hyperfuse 2012.
Team USA celebrates their victory; James Harden in the Nike Zoom Hyperdunk 2011 Low; Anthony Davis and Kevin Love wearing Nike Lunar Hyperdunk.
Kevin Durant hoists the Tiffany & Co. Player of the Game Trophy.
