US men's basketball superstars survive second successive scare as they squeak past Serbia (who have one NBA player) 94-91

  • Team USA hasn't lost a single Olympic game since 2004
  • They have now won 48 tournament games in a row 
  • The Serbs only have one NBA player in their ranks - Nikola Jokic, who plays for the Denver Nuggets 

By Associated Press

Published: 19:19 EST, 12 August 2016 | Updated: 23:10 EST, 12 August 2016

Kyrie Irving scored 15 points and the U.S. men's basketball team survived its second straight strong challenge in the Rio Games, edging Serbia 94-91 on Friday.

The Americans won their 48th consecutive international tournament game, but it was anything but easy.

Serbia's Bogdan Bogdanovic missed a 3-pointer from the left wing with two seconds left that would have tied it, and Kevin Durant grabbed the rebound to keep the Americans unbeaten. They barely escaped against Australia on Wednesday.

Never in doubt! United States' Carmelo Anthony (15) celebrates with teammates after making a basket during a basketball game against Serbia

Never in doubt! United States' Carmelo Anthony (15) celebrates with teammates after making a basket during a basketball game against Serbia

Carmelo Anthony (15) gets to the basket
Deandre Jordan (6) dunks during the first half

Hang time: Carmelo Anthony (15) gets to the basket against Serbia, while Deandre Jordan (6) dunks during the first half

Seeking their third straight gold medal, the Americans built an early 18-point lead but couldn't put away the Serbians, who lost by 29 to the U.S. in the 2014 Basketball World Cup final. The Serbs only have one NBA player in their ranks - Nikola Jokic, who plays for the Denver Nuggets.

DeAndre Jordan scored 13 and Carmelo Anthony 12 for the U.S., which will close pool play on Sunday against France.

Nikola Jokic scored 25 and Miroslav Raduljica 18 before fouling out for Serbia. 

Team USA squeaked by Australia  earlier this week with a score of 98-88, but the Boomers didn't make their win easy.

The US also haven't lost a single Olympic game since their disappointing Bronze medal performance in Athens in 2004. 

Solid: DeAndre Jordan (6 beside Kevin Durant, 5) had a strong showing off the bench, chipping in with 13 points

Solid: DeAndre Jordan (6 beside Kevin Durant, 5) had a strong showing off the bench, chipping in with 13 points

United States' Draymond Green (14) grabs a loose ball after he blocked Serbia's Miroslav Raduljica, left during the group game

United States' Draymond Green (14) grabs a loose ball after he blocked Serbia's Miroslav Raduljica, left during the group game

The butler did it: Jimmy Butler (4) fights for a rebound with Serbia's Nikola Kalinic, right,

The butler did it: Jimmy Butler (4) fights for a rebound with Serbia's Nikola Kalinic, right,

Squad goals! The USA basketball team cheered on the men's relay team from the stands before taking a picture together backstage

Squad goals! The USA basketball team cheered on the men's relay team from the stands before taking a picture together backstage