America’s Dream Team status in question after dodging bullet against Serbia

AMERICA’S NBA stars couldn’t be further from the Dream Team status of past Olympic campaigns after dodging a bullet against Serbia in Rio to claim a 94-91 victory.

The US Dream Team narrowly avoided defeat against Serbia in Rio

AMERICA’S NBA stars couldn’t be further from the Dream Team status of past Olympic campaigns after dodging a bullet against Serbia in Rio tonight.

Bogdan Bogdanovic’s open three-point shot on the buzzer bounced off the rim in a last-second attempt that would have tied scores at 94 all.

The lucky 94-91 escape sees America top their pool as the only unbeaten team ahead of their final pool game.

The US Dream Team narrowly avoided defeat against Serbia in Rio

But it will give Australia a major morale boost ahead of a potential Olympic gold medal play off.

The Boomers streaked ahead of Serbia late to win 95-80 in their pool game yet Team USA continued their mediocre campaign.

Australia was just four points down against America with 35 seconds remaining yet failed to seal the deal in a ten-point loss.

The Boomers missed 13 shots - many of them open looks - in the last eight minutes and are desperate for another crack at the title.

Olympic action from day 7 of the Rio games

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The American side that lost the 2004 Olympics contained LeBron James and yet still lost in the semi-finals.

None of the Americans last night scored more than 15 points, with Kyrie Irving (15), DeAndre Jordan (13 points), Paul George and Carmelo Anthony (12 points) among the best players.

But the narrow victory will put real heat on America as it enters its quarter-final after a final pool game against France.

This week American coach Mike Krzyzewski conceded Australia could beat America in the gold medal play-off.

Serbia almost claimed the biggest upset of the Rio games against Team USA

“We set the bar high. We want to get a medal, a gold medal. We’ve said that from the get-go, and we’re sticking to that,’’ he said.

“They are not invincible. I wouldn’t say that. You go in with a positive mindset and a security in yourself and you go out and give it your all.

“Everyone knows the USA are the best in the world but you come out and play hard to your strategies.”

Australian star David Anderson told News Corp this week Australia could dethrone America.

“I am sure Australia sees a lot of things they can do against us,’’ he said.

“They are really good. Australian basketball is terrific. So they can beat us, we know that, and we will prepare accordingly,’’ he said.

“I don’t think they would have gone back to their boat or home thinking they can’t beat us.

“We know they feel like they can beat us and we understand that and I think it will be a really good game.”

Originally published as America’s Dream Team status in question after dodging bullet against Serbia