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Team USA Basketball: Russell Westbrook Looking For Gold At His First Olympics

The Thunder were unable to capture a title in the 2012 NBA Finals, but Russell Westbrook still has a chance to be a world champion this summer. He will try to help Team USA bring home a gold medal in London.

By Bill Hanstock
July 21, 2012; Barcelona, SPAIN; USA guard Russell Westbrook during practice in preparation for the 2012 London Olympic Games at Palau Sant Jordi. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE
July 21, 2012; Barcelona, SPAIN; USA guard Russell Westbrook during practice in preparation for the 2012 London Olympic Games at Palau Sant Jordi. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

The Oklahoma City Thunder had an amazing 2011-12 season. Although they fell just short of the NBA title, they have three representatives on the United States men's national basketball team. Russell Westbrook is among the players who are trying to bring home the gold medal for the U.S. in London.

The 2012 Olympics will be the first for Westbrook, but the point guard did help the U.S. capture the gold at the 2010 FIBA World Championships in Turkey, so he is no stranger to international basketball.

Westbrook has been a key contributor so far in Team USA's exhibition matches, but the real deal will begin in the coming week. The young player is often cited as one of the best at his position in basketball and has only gotten better. In the lockout-shortened 2011-12 NBA season, Westbrook set career highs in minutes per game, field goal percentage and points per game. He should prove to be a valuable asset to the national team during the tournament in London.

For complete coverage of the Summer Games in London, please stay tuned to SB Nation's dedicated 2012 Olympics hub.

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