Paul George was inserted into the starting lineup, but it was Carmelo Anthony who carried Team USA past Australia.
Team USA narrowly passed its toughest test thus far in Group A play, barely edging out unbeaten Australia, who were rumored to be "holding some stuff back" in anticipation of a rematch with the Americans later in the medal round, 98-88.
Far from star struck and headlined by the defensive tenacity of Matthew Dellavedova and rim protection of Andrew Bogut as well as the Olympic men's leading-scorer Patty Mills, the Boomers' strategy to get under Team USA's skin with their physicality and bait their opponent into cheap fouls was successful early as DeAndre Jordan committed an unsportsmanlike foul and both DeMarcus Cousins and Paul George, who was assessed a technical foul, were relegated to the bench.