Tokyo, Japan - Team USA trailed by 11 points early in the second quarter but rallied strongly to reach the men's basketball semi-finals at the Tokyo Games after a 95-81 win over world champions Spain on Tuesday.

Having suffered a rare loss in the group phase to France, the star-studded American side were soon under pressure again but led by Kevin Durant rallied to overturn their early deficit.

The US pulled away in the third quarter, having gone in level at 43-all and could eventually ease up with the tie won.

Durant posted a best 29 points for the US while Spain's Ricky Rubio ended on the losing side despite a heroic 38.

"We started making shots there in the second quarter," Durant said. "Once we see that ball going into the rim, that put all of us at ease."

"Our defence was a little better, a little tighter, we rebounded better after that. And guys just got more comfortable shooting the basketball."

"I like how we played in that second quarter, from the end of the second quarter all the way to finish the game, and that’s how we’re gonna need to play going forward."

The US have won the last three men's basketball golds and six of seven since they were allowed to field NBA stars from 1992.

Even without LeBron James, the sheer depth in quality from the NBA makes the US favorites once more going into Thursday's semi-finals with Australia, who demolished Argentina 97-59.

It's only been a matter of weeks, though, since the Aussies shocked Team USA in a pre-Olympics prep game, which won't have been forgotten.

"We’re in a good spot right now," said Durant. "Guys are starting to understand their roles and just get more comfortable within the team.

"In this setting it’s always hard to get your footing as an individual player because you don’t want to step on toes.

"You’ve just got to finish it. We’re supposed to be here. For us, it’s about getting a gold."

European champions Slovenia thrashed Germany 94-70 to set up a last four meeting with France, who beat Italy 84-75.

Slovene superstar Luka Doncic contributed 20 points though team-mate Zoran Dragic stole the show against Germany with 27, aided by five of seven shooting from the three-point line.

Italy fought back from 10 points down at the start of the fourth quarter to level at 66-all but couldn't nudge ahead against France, who produced a strong finale to win from 73-all with 2 minutes 35 seconds to play.