Team USA went 5-0 in the group stages of the Rio Summer Olympics, but the last three victories have been anything but easy.
The Americans were expected to easily clinch their third straight gold medal and though they survived group play unscathed to stretch their international play winning streak to 73 games, there could be some cause for concern.
Team USA decimated China, 119-62, and followed it up with a 113-69 drubbing of Venezuela, but after that they have struggled mightily. The team overcame a halftime deficit to topple Australia, 98-88 and barely hang on to defeat Serbia, 94-91.
On Sunday, it was another dicy performance for Team USA in Brazil. The team, comprised of NBA superstars, narrowly defeated France, 100-97, to close out group play with a sterling unblemished record.
While the team has struggled, Kevin Durant instilled confidence heading into the quarterfinals of Group A action.
"Obviously, everybody wants us to win by a lot of points, but it's not how it's going to go this time," Durant said, according to USA Today Sports. "We've got to be prepared for a grind-out game. We've showed the last three games we can grind it out."
Durant had 17 points against France, while Klay Thompson netted a team-best 30 and went 7-for-13 in three-point shooting.
Paul George also echoed Durant's statements and tempered the high expectations for Team USA.
"This isn't a tournament that we're going to just dominate," George said, according to The Associated Press. "There's talent around this world and they're showcasing it."
Team USA has advanced to the quarterfinals, where it will play an opponent to be determined on Wednesday.
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