The O2 Arena in London witnessed an electrifying basketball showdown on Saturday as Team USA narrowly edged out South Sudan with a thrilling 101-100 victory. With just eight seconds left on the clock, LeBron James clinched the game with a decisive layup, showcasing his remarkable ability to perform under pressure.
James led the charge for Team USA, notching 23 points on an efficient 9-for-13 shooting, grabbing six rebounds, and dishing out seven assists in just 23 minutes on the court. His leadership helped the U.S. team overcome several challenging moments throughout the game.
A Game of Runs and Momentum Shifts
The game began with Team USA establishing early dominance, jumping out to a 12-2 run. However, South Sudan quickly regrouped and turned the tables, building a 14-point lead by halftime. The American squad had to dig deep to claw their way back into contention.
In the final moments of the fourth quarter, South Sudan managed to take a one-point lead, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. Anthony Edwards' defensive prowess proved crucial as he stripped the ball from Wenyen Gabriel in the closing seconds, preventing a potentially game-changing play. Gabriel then missed an attempted putback following Carlik Jones’ missed floater, allowing Team USA to regain possession.
Key Performances
While LeBron James was the standout for the Americans, South Sudan’s Marial Shayok delivered an impressive performance, scoring 25 points on 9-for-16 shooting, including 6-for-12 from beyond the arc. Carlik Jones also put up a notable effort, recording a triple-double with 15 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds.
Joel Embiid contributed significantly for Team USA, adding 14 points on an efficient 5-for-6 shooting in 18 minutes, along with seven rebounds and two assists. Meanwhile, White demonstrated his playmaking abilities with five assists in just 11 minutes during his first run with the national team. Observers noted, "Team USA, as usual, was at their best when their defense led to offense."
Three-Point Shooting and Turnovers
Despite the close scoreline, three-point shooting was a mixed bag for Team USA, who managed to hit only seven of their 28 attempts from beyond the arc. In contrast, South Sudan displayed remarkable accuracy, making 14 of their 33 three-point attempts, a commendable 42.4%.
The turnover battle also played a critical role in the game's outcome, with Team USA slightly edging South Sudan by a margin of 15-12. This slight advantage in ball control helped them stay competitive in a tightly contested game.
Looking Ahead
Team USA's head coach Steve Kerr made a strategic decision by putting his second unit on the floor during the third quarter, a move that somewhat stabilized the game when the Americans seemed in danger. "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 commented from a previous game review.
The victory sets the stage for Team USA's next challenge, as they are scheduled to face Germany in another exhibition game in London on Monday at 3 p.m. ET. With momentum on their side and a blend of star power and emerging talents, Team USA will look to continue refining their strategies and solidifying their chemistry ahead of future competitions.