Michael Redd and Wade had layups to open scoring in the fourth, pushing the U.S. lead to 69-55. Australia scored nine of the next 11 points to pull within seven with still half the period left, making the upset seem possible. The crowd even got behind the Australians, loudly booing a call that overruled what seemed to be a potential three-point play for them on an offensive rebound.

The Americans got their running game going again, and Wade had some easy baskets as they pulled away for their closest victory. A 21-point win over Russia was the previous closest game for the Americans, who came in averaging 110.8 points and shooting 64.2 percent from the field.

Bryant scored 13 points and Anthony had 12 points and 10 rebounds for the United States, which faces host China on Sunday in its Olympic opener.

Bogut, the No. 1 pick in the 2005 draft, wanted more time to rest a sore right ankle that has been bothering him, but said he expects to be ready by the opener against Croatia on Sunday.

The Australians threw a scare into defending gold medalist Argentina in an earlier friendly, building a 19-point lead in the third quarter before losing 95-90.

They started well in this game, with Mills fearlessly driving to the basket and helping Australia lead by four a few times in the first quarter before the Americans rallied to grab a 22-19 lead. U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski started the second quarter with a lineup of James, Bryant, Wade, Anthony and Deron Williams. Australia wasn't scared of that unit, with Wade and Anstey jawing after Anstey fouled Wade away the ball and the players got tangled when the U.S. guard got up.

"What they've done and where you see them can intimidate a lot of people," Anstey said. "I think to come into a game intimidated you've given up before you start, and we didn't feel like we did that tonight."

Australia cut it to 26-25 on David Andersen's basket with 5:36 remaining in the half, then the small unit's pressure defense set in and made it hard for the Australians to even take shots.

The Americans forced eight turnovers in the period led by James, who was all over the court coming up with steals and blocks. He scored eight straight points to make it 37-25, then swatted a shot into the seats about a minute later.

Australia finally ended its drought when Mills went all the way for a layup with 1:51 to go, but the Americans came back with a steal by James leading to his own bucket. The U.S. lead was 44-29 at the break.