DURANT

MADRID (AP) — Kevin Durant scored 25 points and made two crucial late blocks to help the United States beat Spain, 86-85, on Sunday in a warmup game for the world championship.

The Americans went to a zone defense on the last play to catch out Spain, and Durant blocked shots by Ricky Rubio and Rudy Fernandez.

Derrick Rose had just put the Americans ahead with two free throws.

“I just wanted to cover as much ground as I could and help my teammates,” said Durant, who also had 10 rebounds. “I just didn't want to foul on a 3-pointer, so I stayed down and, luckily, game over.”

The United States rallied after Spain – 13 points behind after three quarters – took a one-point lead from Juan Carlos Navarro's 3-point play with 27 seconds left at the “Magic Box” center.

Navarro scored 20 points in the first game between the teams since the Americans won the 2008 Olympic final. It was the first loss in nine games for Spain, the defending world champion. The world championship begins Saturday in Turkey.

Russell Westbrook's two-handed dunk to open the fourth period put the US ahead by 13 in a game it never trailed until the closing moments.

Spain, the defending world champion, took the lead for the first time with 90 seconds to play. Rubio's stutter- step into the lane drew defensive attention, allowing the teenage point guard to feed Felipe Reyes for an easy lay-in and an 82-80 lead.

Durant answered, before Rose went past Rubio and hung in the air to avoid Marc Gasol's block and score one-handed as the Americans led 84-82 with 33 seconds to play.

“We made one more play than they did and that's why we won,” US coach Mike Krzyzewski said.

Navarro scored 20 points and Rose 13 in the first match between the teams since the Americans won the 2008 Olympic final. Gasol had 17 points for Spain.

Navarro, a former Memphis Grizzlies guard, was one of the few consistent performers for the hosts, with the Spanish shooting 41 percent from the field to 48 percent from the Americans.

The US looked vastly superior to when it overcame nerves and poor shooting to beat Lithuania on Saturday.

Lamar Odom finished with 12 points and nine rebounds for the US, while Rubio put on a strong performance with six assists.