USA Triumphs in Nail-Biter Against South Sudan
Team USA showcased resilience and determination as they edged out South Sudan 101-100 in a thrilling exhibition game at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday. LeBron James played the hero, sinking a game-winning layup with just eight seconds remaining on the clock.
This clash was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, with momentum swings and dramatic moments aplenty. Team USA came out of the gates with a scorching 12-2 run, demonstrating their offensive firepower early on. However, South Sudan was not to be underestimated. Led by Marial Shayok’s sharp shooting, they clawed back and took a commanding 14-point lead at halftime.
James was a standout performer for the American side, leading the team with 23 points on an efficient 9-for-13 shooting, while also contributing six rebounds and seven assists in just 23 minutes of action. His presence on both ends of the floor was pivotal, culminating in his clutch layup that sealed the game's fate.
South Sudan proved a formidable opponent, particularly from beyond the arc, where they made an impressive 14 of their 33 attempts, translating to a commendable 42.4% accuracy rate. Shayok was exceptional, dropping 25 points on 9-for-16 shooting, including 6-for-12 from three-point range. Complementing Shayok’s performance, Carlik Jones managed a triple-double with 15 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds, showcasing his all-around prowess.
The contest remained fiercely competitive, with South Sudan taking a narrow one-point lead late in the fourth quarter. In a pivotal moment, Anthony Edwards stripped the ball from Wenyen Gabriel, stalling what could have been a game-changing play for South Sudan. This defensive stand underscored the frequently noted observation that “Team USA, as usual, was at their best when their defense led to offense.”
Despite missing an attempted putback after Jones’ floater in the closing seconds, Gabriel’s efforts encapsulated the high stakes and intensity of the matchup. South Sudan held their own in terms of three-point shooting, a marked contrast to Team USA’s struggles from beyond the arc, where they made only 7 of their 28 attempts.
Turnovers also played a crucial role in the contest. Team USA won the turnover battle, committing just 12 to South Sudan’s 15. This edge proved to be a significant factor in their narrow victory.
Steve Kerr, Team USA’s head coach, made strategic adjustments throughout the game, including putting his second unit on the floor during the third quarter. Coby White made a notable impact in his first run with the national team, dishing out five assists in just 11 minutes. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid added a reliable 14 points on 5-for-6 shooting in 18 minutes, along with seven rebounds and two assists, providing much-needed stability and depth.
LeBron James’ game-winning moment highlighted not just his prowess but also the collaborative effort that defined Team USA’s performance. The chemistry and versatility of the squad were evident as they outlasted a formidable and well-coordinated South Sudan team.
Looking ahead, Team USA will meet Germany in another exhibition game in London on Monday at 3 p.m. ET. With both Tyrese Haliburton and White showing promise, it's intriguing to speculate on the potential lineups Kerr might experiment with. “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,” one observer noted after a previous game.
The matchup against South Sudan not only provided a captivating spectacle for fans but also offered valuable insights and challenges for Team USA as they prepare for increasingly tougher competitions. Their ability to adapt and persevere will surely be tested against a strong German side, and the learnings from this intense showdown will undeniably serve them well.