Has the world caught up with the United States in basketball?

Never mind that LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, and Anthony Davis sat out this year’s Olympics. Part of the recognition on a country’s strength involves the players’ commitments because it also affects the outcome of a tournament.

The past three games for Team USA have been eye-openers. Some argue that the close matchups were due to the lack of some names in the Americans’ roster, while other say that the rest of the competition is simply catching up. It might be both.

Article Continues Below
More NBA News
Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson (55) drives to the basket between Atlanta Hawks forward Georges Niang (20) and center Clint Capela (15) during the first half at State Farm Arena.
NBA rumors: Pistons ‘weighing run’ at Heat sharpshooter in free agencyBen Strauss ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) warms up before the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.
NBA rumors: Bill Simmons already has a Lakers-Cavs-Jazz LeBron James trade ideaRishav Bhat ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers at American Airlines Center.
NBA rumors: Lakers insider reveals ‘buzz’ for LeBron James trade to MavericksTroy Finnegan ·
Collin Sexton in Charlotte Hornets jersey wearing #2 and Jusuf Nurkic in Utah Jazz jersey wearing #27 with a purple background
Grading Hornets-Jazz trade involving Collin Sexton, Jusuf NurkicKris Pursiainen ·
The Grizzlies started their 2025 NBA Draft in aggressive fashion by trading up for Cedric Coward.
Memphis Grizzlies 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pickLorenzo J Reyna ·
The Raptors 2025 NBA Draft class hails from the SEC.
Toronto Raptors 2025 NBA Draft grades for every pickLorenzo J Reyna ·

For Kevin Durant, he’s looking at the glass as half-full, per Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today Sports.

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

While Durant’s claim is true. It doesn’t hide the fact that these games have been let-downs for Team USA.

The knockout stage is next and the pressure on the reigning gold medalists’ shoulders will grow even more immense.