Las Vegas, NV – Kevin Durant poured in 24 points and pulled down 10 rebounds, and Team USA combined suffocating defense and smooth ball movement into a 113-59 rout of the Dominican Republic Thursday night.
It was the first of a five-game exhibition tour leading up to the Summer Olympics, but the U.S. will go to London without Los Angeles Clippers All-Star forward Blake Griffin.
Shortly after the contest ended, the Clippers said Griffin will miss the Olympics after suffering an injury to his left knee. Griffin, who hurt the knee during practice Wednesday, underwent an MRI Thursday and was diagnosed with a medial meniscus tear. He will have arthroscopic surgery, but will be ready for training camp this fall.
Anthony Davis, the No. 1 draft pick by the Hornets, suited up instead for the defending Olympic gold medalists and had nine points in place of Griffin.
The starting five of Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant, Tyson Chandler, LeBron James and Chris Paul combined for just 31 points, and head coach Mike Krzyzewski let the reserves have most of the court time. Andre Iguodala had 18 points, Kevin Love 11 and Deron Williams totaled 10 of Team USA's 27 assists.
They also came up with 12 steals and forced 27 turnovers, leading to 38 points. The Dominican Republic converted just 31.7 percent of its shots and was overmatched from the start, falling behind by 14 after the first quarter and 23 at the half.
"I was pleased with the unselfishness of our team," Krzyzewski said.
James, who last month captured his first NBA championship with the Heat, had just seven points, and Bryant scored four. Anthony led the starters with 13 points.
NBA players Al Horford and Francisco Garcia were a combined 1-of-15 from the field for seven points for the Dominican Republic, which was led by Elipidio Fortuna's 10 points.
Durant, who shot 9-of-11 from the field, scored 11 of his team's 26 points in the first quarter. It was highlighted by an 11-0 spurt, capped by Durant's three-pointer.
Three-balls from James and Iguodala expanded the lead to 20 late in the second, and the 23-point (50-27) margin at the half ballooned to 40 late in the third following a Russell Westbrook short jumper.
Since the Dream Team debuted in 1992 with legendary NBA stars, the U.S. has gone a combined 109-7 in official competitions and also going 38-1 in exhibition games.
The U.S. will resume its exhibition schedule on Monday by playing Brazil at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. Team USA's first game at the Olympics is July 29 vs. France.
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