The high and mighty U.S. men's basketball team was tested in a big way on Wednesday evening in Rio. The Australian squad, led by the likes of Andrew Bogut, Patty Mills, and Matthew Dellavedova, led by five at halftime and kept close to the Americans throughout.

In the end, the heroics of Carmelo Anthony and Kyrie Irving were too much for the Aussies to handle. Together, the pair scored 50 of the United States' 98 points, with 31 coming from Melo.

Point number 12 of the night held special significance for Anthony, as he passed LeBron James for first all-time on the U.S. Olympic scoring list. This is the fourth Olympic games that Carmelo has played in, as he looks for his third consecutive gold medal.

Article Continues Below
More NBA News
Adam Silver, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, Indiana Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton
Adam Silver fires back at NBA ratings discussions from fansTomer Azarly ·
Jun 5, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) reaches for the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the fourth quarter in game one of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Pacers-Thunder Game 1 hits record low in views for FinalsZachary Draves ·
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver walk through the audience during the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery at McCormick Place.
6 NBA teams that never drafted with the first overall pickSpencer See ·
LeBron James, Stephen (Steph) Curry, who may be heading to an ESPN NBA broadcasting booth after they retire, after Lakers-Warriors game on December 25, 2024.
ESPN has ‘hopeful’ LeBron James, Stephen Curry wishAndrew Korpan ·
Sep 24, 2013; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings minority owner Shaquille O'Neal talks to the media after the press conference at Kings Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
Shaq’s ex-nemesis shows up at Game 1Zachary Draves ·
Shaquille O'Neal Lakers NBA
Shaquille O’Neal hilariously crashes NBA Countdown set before Game 1Josh Davis ·

It didn't take long for Anthony to set the record. He was scorching hot in the first quarter, dropping four three-pointers as well as another jumper for a total of 14 points. The final trey put Carmelo in first over LeBron.

Anthony actually began the evening in third place on the list. He passed David Robinson just a few minutes prior.

Carmelo didn't stop there, continuing to terrorize Australia from outside with a total of nine three-balls on the night. Irving was pivotal down the stretch as well, preserving an unusually close victory for U.S.A.