Anthony carries United States of America past Australia

Australia actually led the game at halftime 54-49, before Anthony took command of the game in the second half, extending Team USA’s global unbeaten streak to 71.

Australia was expected to give the USA team their biggest challenge yet, and they did it in a very physical game that was competitive up to the final whistle.

With the win, the United States remained at the top of the Group A standings with a 3-0 record. Irving had 17, with 10 coming in a tense fourth quarter, this after Team USA had reportedly been installed as 27-point favorites.

The loss would have been the Americans’ first in an Olympic Games since they were beaten by Argentina in 2004.

With the 31 points, he became the all-time leader in points for the U.S. team. “He just stayed resilient”, Kyrie Irving said after the game. He hit dagger after dagger three point shot as neither big man could guard him. He also scored 14 of the USA’s 24 points in the fourth quarter.

“I was waiting for a wake-up call and getting hit by this tough Australian team is what I needed”.