MADRID(AP) Ricky Rubio continued to impress despite Spain's 86-85 loss to the United States in a friendly game Sunday.

The teenage point guard scored seven points and had three assists for Spain, and proved to be a key player at the "Magic Box" center down the stretch thanks to impressive dribbling and no-look passes.

While Kevin Durant managed to block Rubio's last-gasp attempt at the close, the Oklahoma City forward came away impressed from his first brush with the 19-year-old.

"He's an amazing defender, that's one thing that stood out to me is how well he pressured the ball and disrupted our offense," said Durant, who led the game with 25 points. "He's flashy, he's crafty as well and the passes he did tonight were kind of amazing."

Rubio's stutter-step into the lane drew defensive attention and allowed him to feed Felipe Reyes for an easy lay-in for Spain's first lead of the game with 90 seconds to play.

Rubio's entry in the first half helped energize a flagging Spanish side that was in danger of falling far behind after trailing 16-3. He helped rally Spain to within 23-16 and drew gasps after providing an over-the-head, no-look backhanded alley-oop chance that center Fran Vazquez missed in the second period.

U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski expects Rubio to be a great NBA guard as he continues to physically grow.

"He's gotten bigger and he plays outstanding defense, and because he's a pass-first guard - he's going to be liked by everybody who plays with him," said Krzyzewski, whose U.S. team came up against Rubio in the Olympic final two years ago. "He's improved his shooting and he's not afraid."

Rubio has said he will likely move to the NBA after playing one more season at Barcelona, with the Minnesota Timberwolves having taken him with their 2009 first-round pick.

Even Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose came away impressed from their duel, despite Rubio stealing from him on at least two occasions. But Rose got the better of Rubio as he got past the Spaniard on a drive to the basket that led to the lay-up with the clock winding down. Shortly after Rubio turned it over, Rose sealed the game with two free throws.

"It was great just to test him. He's a young player and he played great," Rose said. "He really runs the offense well ... I think he's ready for the NBA."