Team USA men's basketball coach Steve Kerr has emphasized the need for increased intensity as they prepare for their Olympic opener against Serbia, following a perfect but concerning 5-0 exhibition record. Despite victories, the team displayed lackluster performances, with close calls against Germany and South Sudan highlighting their shortcomings in effort and energy. Kerr insists that the squad must raise their game to avoid being outplayed and to maximize their depth, stressing that the Olympic tournament's format demands 40 minutes of focused play. With the stakes high, he expressed that the experience of the Olympics will only be rewarding if they secure a gold medal. The team is now focused on improving their play before entering pool competition, recognizing Serbia as a significant threat led by NBA star Nikola Jokić.