The USA Men's Basketball team was once again in a frightening situation in their last Olympic matchup against a pesky Team Serbia. Team USA would go on to win the game by a measly 3 points, toppling the Serbians in a tightly-contested match, with the game ending in a 94-91 Team USA lead.
This is now the second straight game where the Americans were put in a nail-baiting situation, after winning against Australia where they came back after trailing in the fourth quarter. Team USA won by three points, with Serbia nearly tying the game albeit a missed shot from Serbian guard, Bogdan Bogdanovic.
Despite the obvious talent that Team USA possesses, the American squad now looks vulnerable, according to The Washington Post, and not like the dominating team that put on monstrous performances in their two opening games against China and Venezuela.
According to a report from The Salt Lake Tribune, All-Star Paul George of Team USA says that if his team continues this style of lax play, then all of their upcoming Olympic games would not come as easy as they would want. George says that the last two games, especially the one against Serbia, was a wake-up call, saying "t's great that we're getting challenged," George said. "Whatever the case is, we do have to do a better job."
USA guard Jimmy Butler also chimed in on Team USA's lacklustre performance, saying "We get lazy, because we're so athletic." This air of confidence that the Americans are riding on is certainly the reason for their relaxed state of mind, coming in to these Olympic matches.
Team USA is now guaranteed a spot on the quarterfinals, with their 4-0 group standing. They will face the Tony Parker led France team in their final group game, and USA will definitely have to pick up the pace.
