Some of the faces have changed for Team USA basketball, but the overall goal of the band of NBA stars remains the same as they prepare for the fast-approaching Rio Olympics.

Team USA opens the first of back-to-back exhibitions against China in Los Angeles Sunday night (8 p.m. ET, NBA TV) riding a 64-game winning streak. But it's the one that got away that still seems to most fuel them. You can watch a live stream here.

Krzyzewski's Last Stand

"The house had burned down. We were disheveled, depressed, ashamed," coach Mike Krzyzewski said of the team's now ten-year-old last defeat. "It was depressing. For me, the biggest disappointment in my coaching career was that game ... you have the honor to coach your national team and it was the end. I apologized to [Team USA managing director] Jerry [Colangelo]."

With a squad boasting the starpower of probable starters Kevin Durant (game-high 23 points against Argentina), Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson,Carmelo Anthony and DeMarcus Cousins, there isn't likely to be a repeat of that disappointment any time soon.

Even against a Chinesse team that features no NBA players and heavily relies on such relative unknowns as Zhou Peng, Zhao Jiwel and Zhous Oi the Americans don't seem to leaving much to chance.

And for added motivation, there is the matter of these Olympics being Krzyzewski's last and perhaps his final go around with Team USA altogether.

"He's still the same person, the same personality," Carmelo Anthony, now the team's elder statesman by virtue of competing in his third straight Olympics and the man who bagged an impressive 17 points in the team's 111-74 opening exhibition win over Argentina.

"It's great. He's the same motivator, the guy that I've become closer and closer to over the years," he added of Krzyzewski. "I don't think he's changed a bit."

Depleted Team

But there's no denying change has been a recent part of the equation for Team USA. LeBron James, Steph Curry, Russell Westbrook and even Kobe Bryant all declined spots on the roster for varying reasons.

But among the players on deck, the mentality seems one player's excuse is another's opportunity to shine on the international stage.

"I respect the guys that declined the opportunity, but I think we still have a great team here, a lot of talent," said Cousins. "We still have the same goal in mind, winning the gold medal."

Team USA's roster also includes Deaymond Green, Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, Paul George, Harrison Barnes, Jimmy Butler and DeAndre Jordan.

In all, Team USA is set to play a five game exhibition schedule before the August 6, start of the game. Next up is China at the Staples Center Sunday, followed by a rematch 48-hours later at Oracle Areana in Oakland.

Complete Exhibition Schedule

Argentina- July 22 in Las Vegas, 9 p.m. ET
China - July 24 in Los Angeles (Staples Center), 8 p.m. ET
China - July 26 in Oakland (Oracle Arena) 10 p.m. ET
Venezuela - July 29 in Chicago (United Center) 9 p.m. ET
Nigeria - Aug. 1 in Houston (Toyota Center) 8 p.m. ET

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