First close call for USA basketball could be a good thing

In a brief scare from an Australian team that was resting their best player the United States won their final Olympic tune-up 87-76. Is this a sign of weakness in Beijing? Perhaps, however I think this close call was a good thing for USA basketball. First, we need to remember this was a tune-up not the actual games, so no harm has been inflicted yet. Having such a close scare while Australia was resting their best player, Andrew Bogut, should motivate the "Re-deem" team to step on the throats of all competitors starting August 8. 

The world has learned that the United States is not alone in the basketball spectrum, on any given night an Argentina or a Greece could stun some of the NBA's best. However now that USA has gotten the first scare out of the way it should be smooth sailing to a gold medal. The next time they are up by 20 in the first half, don't expect Lebron, Kobe and Carmelo  to take it easy, no expect the nail not only to hammered in the coffin but also buried and a layer of cement steamrolled over top of it. Losing is not an option for USA basketball in Beijing, not only has the nation been embarrassed by the past couple international performances, but one NBA star has already signed a contract in Europe. The world has been laughing at USA basketball for a couple years now, and this is the Olympics to shut them up.