In a thrilling Olympic warm-up game in London, LeBron James led the USA basketball team to a narrow 101-100 victory over South Sudan. The game was a nail-biter, with South Sudan nearly pulling off a stunning upset. James, the all-time NBA scoring leader, delivered the game-winning layup with eight seconds remaining, finishing with a game-high 25 points.
South Sudan had a commanding lead at halftime, up 58-44. They even extended their lead late in the game after an 8-0 scoring run, seemingly on the verge of one of the biggest upsets in international basketball history. However, James’ heroics saved the day for the US team.
US coach Steve Kerr acknowledged that the game was a valuable learning experience. “The ending was good for us – just to feel that, to feel what it’s going to feel like in Paris,” Kerr said. “Good experience for us. A good reminder that when we play against teams, it’s the biggest experience of their lives and we have to expect everyone to play like that.”
J.T. Thor, a Charlotte Hornets player, put South Sudan in front with a three-pointer with 20 seconds remaining. But after James’ game-winning basket, South Sudan had one final chance to tie the game. Carlik Jones missed a jumper with six seconds left, and Wenyen Gabriel failed to convert two put-back attempts before the final buzzer.
Kerr praised South Sudan’s performance. “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 that’s on me. “I think that really allowed South Sudan to gain confidence early. “Once we turned it up in the second half, they had already knocked down a bunch of threes and were feeling really good about themselves.”
James sparked a crucial 23-5 run for the US team late in the third quarter and early in the fourth. “We have to continue to take a step forward,” James said. “A lot of these teams that we’re playing have been practising either one month or months in advance and we have maybe two weeks together. “So every game, every film session, we get an opportunity. We have to try to make the most of it, not taking any steps back.”
Joel Embiid, who became a US citizen in 2022, added 14 points and seven rebounds for the Americans. Anthony Davis, off the bench, recorded 15 points and 11 rebounds for the US squad.
For South Sudan, who are ranked 33rd in the world, Marial Shayok led the way with 24 points. Jones added 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, while Thor chipped in 14 points off the bench. Shayok currently plays in China and has previously played alongside Embiid in Philadelphia, while Jones plays for Partizan in Serbia.
The USA and South Sudan will face each other again in the Olympics group stages on July 31 in Lille.
