Sam Amick

USA TODAY Sports

RIO DE JANEIRO – Brittney Griner has always loved playing against the boys.

From her prep days in Houston to her collegiate career at Baylor and her first four seasons in the WNBA, she has seen it as a way of improving her game. And considering her Olympic women’s basketball team is running through its foes so far, what better time to go looking for bigger, stronger competition?

The chosen opponent? DeMarcus Cousins, the Sacramento Kings big man and fellow Team USA talent who has been ribbing Griner while on the cruise ship both teams are sharing.

“I would love to just go out there and play against (Cousins),” said Griner, who has never played against NBA talent. “We talk a lot of crap to each other. I love talking to him. He’s really funny. I would love to just go out there and play against him.

“I’ve never really been around him before until now, but he’s like that big brother, just to talk smack to and who is always competitive. He’s awesome.”

Game. On.

“Whenever you’re ready to get it on camera and see her get embarrassed, I’m ready for it,” Cousins said with a smile after practice on Tuesday.

Kindred spirits indeed.

“This is our first time ever being around each other,” Cousins said. “I’m sure we were aware of each other, (being the) same high school class and all that (2009). From Day One, it was trash talkin’.

“It’s almost like we’re the same person. As soon as I walk in the door, she’s at me. She says I’m a bum. She says she’ll kick my butt. It’s all in fun. She’s an incredible competitor. She’s an incredible player. It’s fun to be around the ladies and get to know them.”

So does Griner have a chance?

“She’s got some footwork, but I’m top dog,” Cousins said. “I told her she’s the third-best post player here behind me and DJ (DeAndre Jordan). She’s a little mad about that.”

Contributing: Jeff Zillgitt