Coach K: Facing Australia was the first real game we've had
To subscribe to breaking news alerts and scoring updates for Rio Basketball, click the star in the top-right corner of theScore app.
After cruising through their exhibition tour and winning their first two games by over 100 points combined, the U.S. men's basketball team had yet to face a formidable opponent entering Wednesday night's contest.
And while they entered the game as massive underdogs, Australia showed their worth early in the match, handing the States their first half-time deficit of the Mike Krzyzewski-era.
"For this group, that was the first real international game we've had," Coach K told reporters following the game.
The U.S. would eventually go on to win thanks to a bevy of threes from Carmelo Anthony, but the Australians showed that the States may be more vulnerable than many expected.
Related: Melo carries U.S. past Australia to avoid mammoth upset
"They played lights out basketball," Krzyzewski said. "They play so well together as one."
Although the U.S. looked shaky at times, Coach K remains optimistic, crediting his squad for defeating a team featuring five NBA players.
"For us, it was a heck of a win because we beat an outstanding team. ... We earned the win."
Team USA will face Serbia on Friday, in what is likely to be another blowout for the Americans.