Defensive Prowess and Team Depth Lead to Victory
USA Wins Over South Sudan – In their second game of the 2024 Paris Olympics, the USA Basketball Men’s National Team showcased their defensive strength and depth, earning a decisive 103-86 victory over South Sudan at Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, France. The win secured the top position in Group C for the four-time defending gold medalists, advancing them to the Olympic quarterfinals with a 2-0 record.
Head Coach Steve Kerr and his players have consistently highlighted the importance of defense in their strategy, and this game was no exception. The U.S. held the 33rd-ranked South Sudan team to 42.1% shooting, a crucial factor in their victory.
“The defensive effort was the key to the whole thing,” Kerr remarked after the game. “That’s an explosive team. They shoot 3s, they’re fast, they can get past you. Our guys did a really good job of keeping them in front and forcing tough shots.”
Bam Adebayo Scores 18 Points
Bam Adebayo was a standout performer, scoring 18 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and blocking two shots. He made his first six shots, including two 3-pointers, demonstrating his versatility on both ends of the court. “Being able to switch 1 through 5, being able to guard all positions, that makes me more versatile,” Adebayo explained. “Being able to space the floor and obviously doing all the in-between things, like being point-center, just gives us a more diverse team.”
Adebayo’s performance was complemented by solid contributions from other key players. Kevin Durant added 14 points and three steals, while Anthony Edwards chipped in with 13 points and three steals. LeBron James contributed 12 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while Derrick White and Devin Booker each scored 10 points. The Americans accumulated 13 steals, highlighting their defensive prowess.
A Different Outcome from the Showcase
This game was markedly different from the previous encounter between these two teams during the USA Basketball Showcase in London, where the Americans narrowly escaped with a 101-100 victory. In that match, South Sudan surprised the U.S. team with their potential and intensity. However, this time, the U.S. was prepared for the challenge posed by South Sudan, a team assembled by former NBA star Luol Deng and coached by Royal Ivey.
Game Review: USA Narrowly Escapes South Sudan’s Challenge in London Showdown
Nuni Omot led South Sudan with 24 points, while Carlik Jones, the 2023 NBA G League MVP, was limited to 18 points, seven assists, and three rebounds, thanks to the focused defense by the U.S. team.
LeBron James Reaches Milestones
LeBron James continued to make history by reaching two USA Basketball milestones. He became the third U.S. Olympian to reach 300 points with a dunk assisted by his Los Angeles Lakers teammate Anthony Davis. James also handed out his 100th assist, becoming just the sixth Olympian to achieve this feat. Reflecting on these milestones, James said, “At the end of the day, I just want to win. I’m here to win and win the gold.”
Strategic Adjustments and Team Dynamics
Coach Kerr’s strategic adjustments were evident, as he continued to rotate players based on matchups. Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton made their Paris Olympics debuts, with Tatum starting and scoring four points. Kerr explained his approach: “Whatever we need to do to win, that’s what we’re going to do … just win a damn gold medal. Every opponent is different. We’ve got options for everything, and we’re going to use those options.”
Kevin Durant, coming off the bench for the second consecutive game, embraced his role, scoring 14 points in 21 minutes. “Whatever [Coach Kerr] needs from me,” Durant said, emphasizing his adaptability and commitment to the team’s success.
Steph Curry’s Quiet Night
Steph Curry had a subdued performance, missing eight of his nine shots, including all six of his 3-point attempts. Despite his struggles, Curry’s presence remained valuable, and Coach Kerr expressed confidence in Curry’s ability to bounce back: “He just had a tough night. I’ve seen him have tough nights before and saw him get 40 the next night.”
Top Spot in Group C: Looking Ahead
With a quarterfinal berth secured, Team USA looks to continue their winning streak as they prepare to face Puerto Rico in their final group game. The depth and versatility of the U.S. roster remain key strengths, allowing Kerr to mix and match lineups based on the opposition.
As the Americans continue their quest for a fifth consecutive gold medal, their defensive intensity and team chemistry will be crucial in overcoming the challenges ahead. “We’ve got 12 guys that can go out and get the job done any given night,” James noted. “Defensively, that’s where it started, then offensively, they were great as well.”
Team USA’s journey in Paris promises to be a testament to their skill, strategy, and determination, as they aim to reaffirm their status as the world’s premier basketball power.
Schedule: USA Basketball – Showcase and Olympics Schedule 2024
