Team USA looks to remain unbeaten in Olympic play when it takes the court against Serbia this evening as part of the Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in Group A preliminary action.
The United States enters play atop the Group A standings with six points, just one ahead of Australia and France, who each have netted five points. Serbia has four points, tying it with Venezuela for third, while China pulls up in last place with three points.
In this tournament, the United States has toppled China, 119-62, Venezuela, 113-69, and, most recently, Australia, 98-88.
The Australians proved to be a tough test last time out for Team USA, but it was able to overcome a halftime deficit on Tuesday to squeak out a victory.
Carmelo Anthony finished 11-of-21 for 31 points in the game and put on a clinic in the second half to help lift Team USA when it looked like it might lose its first game of the Olympics. Kevin Durant had 14 points, but shot just 4-for-16 for the Americans.
Anthony downplayed the impact of the 2004 Athens Games when Team USA settled for the bronze medal as Argentina went on to win the gold weighing on the last contest.
"I can tell you, I wasn't thinking about [the loss to Argentina in] 2004 man," Anthony said after the game against Australia, according to USA Today Sports. "I was out there playing tonight. That experience -- it is what it is. We accepted it. We know that feeling, and we don't want to experience that feeling anymore. Being in those types of games, and taking advantage of different possessions, and understanding the difference of the game -- time and score -- and making plays."
Serbia, meanwhile, is 1-2 thus far in the tournament. Serbia defeated Venezuela, 86-62, but lost to Australia, 95-80, and France, 76-75.
Game Details & Live Stream
Matchup: USA vs. Serbia men's basketball Summer Olympics 2016 Group A preliminary
Time: 6 p.m. ET
Place: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Watch Online: This game can be live streamed for free here.
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