USA Basketball is tuning up for the Olympics with some warm-up games, and let’s just say they are having a little fun doing so. Against China, with the game well in hand with a 40+ margin, DeMar Rozen tried out a move we’d like to see in a future dunk contest and Kevin Durant got caught celebrating a three-point shot a tad prematurely.
First, let’s talk about that near dunk spectacular from DeRozan. DeRozan gave a 360-degree dunk a good honest attempt, but was unable to finish off the move. Regardless, we applaud the effort, even in a nearly 50-point game.
DeMar DeRozan attempts a 360 poster dunk.https://t.co/x85BHr2J8Y
— ✶ Ⓜ️𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕦𝕤 ▶️ ✶ (@_MarcusD_) July 27, 2016
Team USA’s bench was given a technical foul after erupting in awe over the effort, but look at that scoreboard. You think anyone cared about that technical foul? We all knew the USA was going to dominate China on the court, so there is hardly any foul in letting loose and enjoying themselves a little bit in such a dominant victory. Of course, Durant probably got a little carried away when he appeared to be celebrating a three-point shot by Kyle Lowry.
https://twitter.com/cauldronicymi/status/758152963877502976
Nick Young feels your pain, Durant.
Team USA may just be warming up with these exhibition games, but they certainly are not being tested very much. And they should dominate in Rio as well, although with at least a little bit more competition at some point. Should anyone be worried about these kinds of shenanigans, with the argument this shows a lack of discipline or concern about playing well in Rio? Again, look at the score. They’ll be just fine.
[Deadspin]
