Durant: Last 3 games show Team USA can grind out victories

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Once considered a lock to moonwalk their way to a third-straight podium-topping finish, cracks are starting to surface for Team USA.

The Americans finished off France to end the group stage with a perfect 5-0 record, but their last three victories have been anything but easy. France nearly pulled off the upset before bowing out 100-97 on Sunday.

After the game, Team USA focal point Kevin Durant cautioned that there will be no more blowouts in the knockout stages.

"Obviously, everybody wants us to win by a lot of points, but it's not how it's going to go this time," Durant told reporters in Rio de Janiero. "We've got to be prepared for a grind-out game. We've showed the last three games we can grind it out."

Durant's teammate Paul George echoed similar sentiments.

"This isn’t a tournament that we’re going to just dominate. There’s talent around this world and they’re showcasing it," George said.

Of course, that wasn't the expectation for Team USA. They demolished competition by over 40 points per game in exhibition play, before winning their first two group stage games by a combined 101 points.

The expectation for the United States, as always, was utter domination of the competition. But with questions arising about their mental toughness and dependence on isolation play, the mighty Americans look vulnerable for once.

Then again, they're now winners of 73-straight games in international competitions - a streak that spans a decade. They'll probably be fine.