The coherent theme for Team USA has been defensive prowess during the tournament. The club has put together back-to-back 100-plus point games, so scoring is no issue. But Kerr wants to see consistent defense, preventing interior baskets and fast-break points.

“Defense, defense, defense — that’s it,” he said. “We know the history of USA Basketball. We win when we defend well. Our guys are really defending at a high level.”

Kerr admitted he likes the defensive lineups that include Holiday, Celtics teammate Derrick White and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, who has blended well from being a prolific NBA scorer to utility man for Team USA.

“Being together for a month, you could see the impact,” Kerr said. “Derrick White, Jrue Holiday are making, Book, the on-ball pressure because our identity is defense starts with ball pressure. Those guys are doing a great job, as is Anthony Edwards. With Derrick, with Jrue, they are accustomed to being complementary players to other stars.

“For us, it’s very obvious watching games that having guys in their usual roles is very helpful. It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense for us to put our five leading scorers on the floor from an NBA season because those guys don’t complement each other well.”