The US men discovered what the French and the Serbians already knew — that the Aussies are for real, and are hungry for a medal — as they got all they bargained for and then some from Team Australia in Group A play inside Carioca Arena. In fact, it almost strayed beyond a test and into the nearly uncharted waters of an upset, as the United States found itself having to dig out of its first halftime deficit since the embarrassing Bronze effort of 2004 in Athens.
Carmelo Anthony was around for that disappointing finish 12 years ago, and seemed determined not to let it happen again… at least not in a preliminary round.