Melo, Irving help Team USA survive scare from Australia

Published August 11, 2016

United States' Carmelo Anthony (15) celebrates after making a three-point basket during a basketball game against Australia at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

RIO DE JANEIRO -- Carmelo Anthony and Kyrie Irving had the answers in the first test for the U.S. Olympic men's basketball team.

Anthony scored 31 points on the night he became the U.S. men's Olympic career scoring leader, combining with Irving for all the Americans' baskets in the fourth quarter of a 98-88 victory over Australia on Monday night.

Kevin Durant capped off the scoring with two free throws, making him the only other player than Irving or Anthony to score in the period.

Irving -- born in Australia -- added 19 points, including a 3-pointer with 1:35 left after Australia had closed within four.

A U.S. team that had won its first two games without breaking a sweat trailed early in the fourth quarter before Anthony hit a flurry of 3-pointers to put the Americans on top.

Patty Mills scored 30 points for Australia.

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