Team USA Pulls Away From Spain

Spain was supposed to represent Team USA's toughest challenge in the 2012 Olympics but, if Tuesday is any indication, that isn't the case.

The U.S. slugged through tough wins against Argentina and Brazil but, despite a slow start, handled Spain 100-78 in Barcelona.

And even in an international setting half-a-world away, it had a heavy Thunder vibe.

At one point Oklahoma City had four of the 10 players on the court with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden all in for the U.S. and Serge Ibaka on the court for the Spaniards.

As far as the Thunder is concerned, it was a very good showing for all four. Durant scored 13, Harden had eight and Westbrook had nine, highlighted by a stretch where he scored seven consecutive points for Team USA.

Durant scored 10 of his 13 in a 3 ½-minute stretch to open the third quarter.

Ibaka finished with 16, all coming in the first half where he started 8-for-9 from the field. He scored 12 in the first quarter when Spain built an early lead.

Carmelo Anthony led all scorers with 27. He came off the bench to score 23 of those in the first half to pull the U.S. back. LeBron James finished with 25.

Pau Gasol led Spain with 19 points followed by Ibaka's 16.

The two teams are still the heavy favorites to meet in the gold medal game in London. Spain will likely be stronger at that point after having sat several players because of injury on Tuesday, namely Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol.