RIO DE JANEIRO (Rio 2016 Olympics) - The United States are winning games, but not doing so in the convincing fashion of two years ago when Mike Krzyzewski's side demolished the opposition in a run to the world title in Spain.

Australia, Serbia and now France have given the USA very hard games, the last coming on Sunday afternoon when Le Bleus fell behind by 16 points late in the third quarter before losing, 100-97.

What was, perhaps, most perplexing of everyone in the stands and no doubt many watching from the United States was that even though Tony Parker did not play in order to rest a sore toe, his replacement, Thomas Heurtel, shone and nearly had a triple-double. The 27-year-old guard finished with 18 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds.

Klay Thompson (USA) rediscover his shooting touch against France

"The kid Huertel, he played a great game, and so if you have just a little bit of let-up, they took advantage of it. But our team was great. I don't know if we can play ferocious, but I think we can play better on the defensive end, and that's what we're going to attempt to do."

In the post-game press conference, Krzyzewski was accompanied by the team's star performer, 30-point Klay Thompson. After a difficult four games, Thompson flashed his superstar credentials and especially from long range, hitting 7-of-13 attempts.

Coming into the game, though, some might have wondered if Thompson would keep his starting place because he was shooting just 15 percent from the floor.

"I don't care if I shoot 10 percent the rest of the tournament, as long as we win the gold medal, that's all that really matters." - Thompson

"You don't have to think twice about not only starting him," the coach said. "He's one of the best players in the world.

"The few times in his life when he's not shooting well, which are few, he always plays defense well, and he always competes. That's what makes him such a great two-way player, and it's what makes him one of the great players in basketball. We're lucky to have him on our team."

Thompson was the team's second leading scorer at the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain and he was scintillating against France.

"It felt good to see the ball go in, but it felt better to get the win," he said.

Thompson, however, made it clear that all he wants to do is win.

"I don't care if I shoot 10% the rest of the tournament, as long as we win the gold medal, that's all that really matters," he said. "But it's something that I can build off, and it definitely helps."

FIBA