USA Narrowly Escapes South Sudan’s Challenge in London Showdown

LeBron James’ Heroics Secure a 101-100 Victory for Team USA

LeBron James delivered when it mattered most, scoring a game-winning layup with just 8 seconds left to lift Team USA to a thrilling 101-100 victory over South Sudan in London. The U.S. Olympic team, soon to head to the Paris Games, had to rally from a 16-point deficit to avoid what would have been a shocking upset.

A Shocking Challenge from South Sudan

James’ decisive basket capped off a dramatic comeback for the Americans, who were tested by a resilient South Sudan team. South Sudan, making its Olympic debut, led for much of the game and had a chance to win in the final seconds. However, Carlik Jones’ last-second attempt missed, and the U.S. emerged victorious.

LeBron James on the Thrill of Close Games

“I like these games better than the blowouts,” James said post-game. “We get tested and it shows us what we’re made of.”

Team USA Faces Unexpected Tough Competition

Indeed, Team USA faced a formidable challenge from South Sudan, who entered the game as 43.5-point underdogs. “It’s a good reminder that for the teams we play, it’s the biggest game of their lives,” said U.S. coach Steve Kerr. “We have to expect everyone to play at their best.”

Turning the Tide with a Second-Half Surge

The Americans found themselves down by 16 points late in the first half, a situation few expected given their star-studded roster. Yet, an 18-0 run in the second half, spearheaded by James, turned the tide. JT Thor’s three-pointer gave South Sudan a 100-99 lead with 20 seconds left, but the Americans called timeout and put the ball in James’ hands. He drove to the basket with precision, securing the lead and the win for Team USA.

Standout Performances on Both Sides

James finished with 25 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Anthony Davis contributed 15 points, while Marial Shayok led all scorers with 25 points for South Sudan. Jones, showcasing his versatility, recorded a triple-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists.

Coach Kerr Reflects on the Game

“This was a great game for us to feel what it’s going to be like in Paris,” Kerr added. “South Sudan played wonderfully and gave us a real test.”

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Experience Versus Potential

The game highlighted the disparity in experience between the two teams. The U.S. roster, filled with NBA All-Stars and champions, contrasted sharply with South Sudan’s squad, which has only four players with NBA experience. Nonetheless, South Sudan’s performance underscored their growth and potential on the international stage.

Stephen Curry on the Importance of Defense

Stephen Curry, who contributed 10 points for the U.S., emphasized the importance of defense and focus. “Offense can come and go, but defense is what wins championships, medals, all that stuff,” Curry said.

Looking Ahead to Paris

Looking ahead, these two teams will face each other again in group play at the Paris Olympics on July 31. Team USA, now 4-0 on its pre-Olympic tour, will next face World Cup champion Germany.

LeBron James’ Final Thoughts

As James concluded, “We went out there to get better, and we did.”

• 4th Pre-Olympic Boxscore

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