Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan dominates in Team USA exhibitions

Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan played well in the first couple exhibition games for the 2016 USA Basketball Men’s National Team.

Clippers center DeAndre Jordan opened the exhibition versus China by thanking the home crowd for attendance. Jordan also got the start over DeMarcus Cousins who started in Game One of the tour. Although, starting lineups do not matter as much because it is an exhibition.

Still, Jordan registered 12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 steals and 2 assists in 17 minutes Sunday.

Jordan was clearly the best defensive player on the court for the 106-57 domination of China in Los Angeles. The China team featured former lottery pick Yi Jianlian.

Of course, Jordan also got some great dunks throughout the game. Here’s one off a pass from Draymond Green.

Here is another one from the inbound play.

Besides this great inbound one, Jordan also scored the team’s first points with an alley-oop from Kyle Lowry. It was immediately after a great block, too.

Based on training camp and these two games, Lowry and Jordan are developing chemistry. Watch those two as international play continues.

However, it would not be a normal night for DeAndre Jordan without free throw woes.

Despite the laughable struggles from the free throw line, USA Basketball coach Mike Kryzewski praised Jordan.

“…As good as I thought he was on TV and on tape, he’s better.” Kryzewski said after Sunday’s victory. “He’s really, I think, one of the great players in the league right now and an amazing teammate. He does dirty work willingly and he does it at the highest level. I think he’s a special player.”

The Duke head coach also said Jordan is as good as a teammate as he’ll ever had. That is great praise from a great basketball mind.

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After a great performance in his home venue, Jordan said it was a huge honor to play for Team USA.

“…To represent a whole country, not just an organization, it’s crazy to think about. It’s really humbling. ” Jordan said. “To be able to be out here with a great coaching staff, a great group of guys that are just really great character guys playing for something that represents our country is huge. It’s a big thing to be a part of.”

Jordan also represented Team USA for the 2007 FIBA U19 World Championship. Jordan remembers winning Silver with that team, and now he said he wants to win with this group of guys.

A few nights before, Jordan made his 2016 USA Basketball debut with six points on 3-of-3 shooting with three rebounds and an assist in 16 minutes versus Argentina.

Both exhibitions resulted in routs for Team USA.

The United States cruised to an 111-74 victory over Argentina in Las Vegas. That Argentina team featured NBA players like Andres Nocioni, Manu Ginobli, and Louis Scula.

In case you missed it, here is Jordan’s and-one dunk versus Argentina.

Ultimately, Jordan’s basketball game and off-court brand should continue growing with USA Basketball. He kept both sold out crowds entertained with great jams.

Jordan is also a key part to the team because his defense. His defensive game should continue menacing opposing teams as exhibition play continues.

Next: Clippers Corner: Where are they now?

Team USA and Jordan play again on Tuesday versus China in Oakland. The team will play a total of five exhibions in various locations, before heading to Rio for the Olympics.