Team USA emerged victorious in a thrilling contest against South Sudan, edging them out 101-100 at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday. The close scoreline belied the intensity and drama that unfolded on the hardwood.
LeBron James, ever the clutch performer, sealed the win for Team USA with a game-winning layup with just eight seconds remaining on the clock. James delivered an all-around stellar performance, leading the team with 23 points on an efficient 9-for-13 shooting. In addition to his scoring, he contributed six rebounds and seven assists in just 23 minutes of play.
Early Dominance and South Sudan's Comeback
The game began with Team USA showcasing their superior form. They started strong, launching into a 12-2 run that seemed to set the tone for a comfortable victory. However, South Sudan showed immense resilience and fought their way back into the game. By halftime, they had flipped the script, taking a commanding 14-point lead.
The second half was a different story. Steve Kerr, known for his strategic acumen, decided to put his second unit on the floor in the third quarter. This move proved to be a catalyst for Team USA's revival. Joel Embiid, in particular, made significant contributions, adding 14 points on 5-for-6 shooting, along with seven rebounds and two assists in 18 minutes.
Final Moments Drama
As the game headed into its final moments, the tension was palpable. South Sudan managed to eke out a one-point lead late in the fourth quarter. But it was Anthony Edwards who provided a crucial defensive play, stripping the ball from Wenyen Gabriel in the dying moments, preventing what could have been a game-changing play for South Sudan.
With mere seconds left, an attempted floater by Carlik Jones missed, giving Gabriel a chance for a putback. The pressure proved too much, and Gabriel missed, ensuring Team USA retained their slender lead. Carlik Jones, however, put up an impressive individual performance for South Sudan, recording a triple-double with 15 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds.
Stats and Strategies
Marial Shayok was another standout for South Sudan, scoring 25 points on 9-for-16 shooting, including a remarkable 6-for-12 from beyond the arc. South Sudan's proficiency from three-point range was notable—they made 14 of their 33 attempts, a striking 42.4%. In sharp contrast, Team USA struggled from deep, connecting on only 7 of their 28 three-point attempts.
Despite the disparity in three-point shooting, Team USA managed to win the turnover battle 15-12, an advantage that played a crucial role in their narrow victory. The defensive efforts of Team USA were pivotal, with observers noting, "Team USA, as usual, was at their best when their defense led to offense."
An interesting subplot remains regarding Steve Kerr's potential line-up experiments. One comment from a previous game review mentioned, "I'd be curious to see what lineups with both Haliburton and White look like, but it's unclear if Kerr will even experiment with them." Such tactical adjustments could add another layer of intrigue to Team USA's future games.
Looking Ahead
As Team USA prepares to face Germany in another exhibition game in London on Monday at 3 p.m. ET, the team will look to build on their hard-earned victory. The game against South Sudan has provided valuable insights, underscoring both strengths and areas for improvement.
For now, the narrow victory serves as a testament to the players' resilience and ability to perform under pressure. With LeBron James leading the charge and a deep roster showcasing their capabilities, Team USA remains a formidable force on the international stage.