The athleticism, the talent, is still there. So is the unblemished record. For all of the good, bad, and indifferent to this point for Team USA during the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, those things still hold some weight as it hits the reset button. The knockout stage has arrived.

Maybe it doesn’t matter. An unblemished 5-0 mark through Group A was a good start, despite some closer than expected contests, and now is when it really counts. Perhaps it is perfect timing. A wake-up call to get into another gear could be needed, especially with what is at stake. Regardless, while it hasn’t been the dominant showcase many anticipated from the United States Men’s National Team, Wednesday’s Quarterfinals against Argentina at 4:45 p.m. CT will serve as the ideal platform to make a strong statement moving forward.

HOW THEY GOT HERE:

United States: Finished as the No. 1 seed in Group A (10 points) with a 5-0 record after a 100-97 victory over France on Sunday.

Argentina: Finished as the No. 4 seed in Group B (8 points) with a 3-2 record following a 92-73 loss to Spain on Monday. 

TEAM STRENGTH:

United States: Depth. There’s no secret that, at any point in a game, an NBA All-Star-caliber lineup will be on the floor. In addition to the quality, the quantity is what separates Team USA against any other team.

Argentina: Veteran leadership. This is not the youngest team by any means, but it possess several crafty NBA veterans that can make any game rather interesting.

PLAYER TO WATCH:

United States: Kevin Durant. While he probably is not the leader of Team USA, he is arguably still the face of the squad for these Olympics. He has been productive along the way, too, and even dropped a game-high 23 points in an exhibition win over Argentina last month. Look for Durant to be one, or the one, who sets the tone. 

Argentina: Manu Ginobili. This is a no-brainer. The 39-year-old is as important to his team as any, whether it is for production or morale. Fun fact: Ginobili scored 29 points against Team USA in 2004, the last time the USMBNT lost an international contest.

PREDICTION:

Team USA cruised past Argentina, 111-74, in its first exhibition game on July 22, and enters this contest as at least 20-plus-point favorites. Team USA has too much of everything, and Argentina lacks the firepower to keep up. Look for yet another blowout here. All Team USA.