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Team USA's Paul George says team needs to "man up"

By Alex Butler
American forward Carmelo Anthony (R) looks to control a loose ball with teammate Paul George during the USA-Serbia Men's Preliminary Basketball game at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 12, 2016. The U.S. team is looking to repeat with a Gold Medal after winning in Beijing (2008) and London (2012). Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI
1 of 3 | American forward Carmelo Anthony (R) looks to control a loose ball with teammate Paul George during the USA-Serbia Men's Preliminary Basketball game at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 12, 2016. The U.S. team is looking to repeat with a Gold Medal after winning in Beijing (2008) and London (2012). Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI | License Photo

RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Close calls aren't commonplace for the United States basketball program.

So winning its last two games by a combined 13 points could be deemed unacceptable, even at an Olympic level.

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After the United States men beat Serbia 94-91 Friday, Indianapolis Pacers star Paul George said the team needs to get defensive.

"Defensively, is where we have to man up," George said, according to TIME.

Despite legendary college basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski and a cast of All-World talent, Team USA has not been blowing teams out per usual.

"When we're playing, we think it's a huge game," Krzyzewski told USA TODAY. "When our opponents play, it's a huge game and we're going to get their best shot, and it's kind of free money. [They] play a game like this and [they're] going to be celebrated win or lose. For us, that's not the case – ever. We just have to understand that."

Friday's victory was Team USA's 21st consecutive Olympic win and 49th straight international victory.

Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving led the Americans with 15 points. DeAndre Jordan netted 13 points. Kevin Durant, George, and Carmelo Anthony each scored a dozen points.

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Team USA has another test at 1:15 p.m. Sunday, when it takes on France in Group A play in Rio de Janeiro. The women's team faces China at 11:15 a.m.

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