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  • Oklahoma City Thunder's Russell Westbrook and James Harden are on the bench to the left of Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski as he instructs his team during the second half of a men's Olympic exhibition basketball game against Brazil. Harden, the NBA's Sixth Man, has averaged only 11.2 minutes of game time during the Olympics. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

    USA Brazil Men Basket_Park(2).jpg
August 9, 2012

Bonus Thunder at 4 p.m.: Harden gaining experience despite brief court time

The Norman Transcript

Norman, Okla. — Wednesday's 119-86 win over Australia didn't provide a challenge for Team USA.

However, it did highlight once again how tough it is for Oklahoma City’s James Harden to find major playing time.

In six games so far during the London Olympics, Harden is averaging 11.2 minutes per contest. The only player who is seeing less on-court time is 2012 No. 1 overall pick Anthony Davis. Davis was only added to the team after former Sooner Blake Griffin injured himself.

Despite the lack of minutes, Harden still is averaging almost seven points per game. That's more than Tyson Chandler, who has started all six of the national team's games.

Harden may not be having the impact he is accustomed to coming off the bench for the Thunder, but this is the first foray into international competition for the 22-year old.

It will be a great learning experience for the 2014 World Championships and 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.

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