USA Basketball
USA Escapes South Sudan for Thrilling Win in London
LeBron James scores 25 points, including the game-winning basket in the final seconds as Team USA rallies from 16 down.
London, July 20, 2024 — In a nail-biting pre-Olympic exhibition game at London's O2 Arena, Team USA narrowly avoided a stunning upset by South Sudan, securing a 101-100 victory thanks to a last-second layup by LeBron James. The game, which was part of the USA Basketball Showcase, served as a crucial warm-up ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The U.S. team, laden with NBA stars and Olympic veterans, faced an unexpectedly tough challenge from South Sudan, a young nation that has quickly made a name for itself in international basketball. South Sudan led for much of the game, at one point holding a 16-point advantage over the Americans.
First Half Dominance by South Sudan
The game started with Team USA taking an early 8-0 lead, but South Sudan quickly responded, dominating the first half and outscoring the Americans significantly. Marial Shayok led the charge for South Sudan, scoring 25 points, while Carlik Jones added a triple-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. The U.S. struggled with turnovers and had difficulty defending against South Sudan's three-point shooting, which saw them hit 14 of 33 attempts.
A Second-Half Comeback
Despite trailing 76-65 at one point, Team USA mounted a remarkable comeback in the second half, led by LeBron James. James, who finished the game with 23 points, six rebounds, and six assists, spearheaded an 18-0 run that turned the tide in favor of the Americans. This surge saw the U.S. take an 83-76 lead, showcasing their resilience and depth.
Anthony Davis also played a crucial role, contributing 15 points, while Stephen Curry added key plays that helped the U.S. regain control. The game remained tight, with South Sudan momentarily taking a 100-99 lead late in the fourth quarter, thanks to a three-pointer by JT Thor.
The Decisive Moment
With just eight seconds left on the clock, LeBron James drove to the basket and scored a layup that put the U.S. ahead 101-100. South Sudan had one last chance to clinch the victory, but a missed shot by Carlik Jones sealed their fate, allowing Team USA to escape with a narrow win.
Post-Game Reactions
Following the game, U.S. head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the impressive performance by South Sudan. "South Sudan was amazing," Kerr said. "I did not do a great job of preparing my team. We did not focus enough on what they are capable of and they showed us tonight how good they are."
The thrilling encounter highlighted the competitive nature of international basketball and set the stage for an intense rematch between the two teams at the Paris Olympics on July 31. Team USA, now 4-0 in their exhibition tour, will face Germany on Monday in their final warm-up game before heading to France.
Looking Ahead
The U.S. team has shown both strengths and areas for improvement in their pre-Olympic games. Victories over Canada, Australia, and Serbia demonstrated their offensive firepower and defensive capabilities. However, the close call against South Sudan underscores the need for better preparation and focus as they aim for a fifth consecutive gold medal in Paris.
For South Sudan, the game was a testament to their rapid rise in the basketball world. Their performance against a powerhouse like Team USA will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they prepare for their Olympic debut.
As the countdown to the Paris Olympics continues, basketball fans can look forward to more thrilling matchups and the possibility of more upsets in what promises to be a highly competitive tournament.