LeBron James led the United States to a narrow 101-100 victory over South Sudan in a pre-Olympics warm-up game held at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday. The game, which was a high-stakes showdown between the NBA’s elite and a rising South Sudanese team, showcased both exceptional skill and intense competition.
South Sudan, ranked 33rd in the world, almost pulled off one of the biggest upsets in international basketball history. The team, led by Marial Shayok, J.T. Thor, and Carlik Jones, dominated the first half and went into the break with a 58-44 lead. The South Sudanese squad’s performance was a testament to their preparation and determination.
As the game progressed, South Sudan maintained their momentum and executed an 8-0 run in the final minutes, taking a 100-99 lead. However, LeBron James, the all-time NBA scoring leader, had other plans. With just eight seconds remaining, James drove to the basket and scored a decisive layup, sealing the victory for the U.S.
James finished with a game-high 25 points, proving yet again why he is considered one of the greatest players in basketball history. His late-game heroics were crucial, as South Sudan had a chance to win but fell short. Carlik Jones missed a jumper, and Wenyen Gabriel was unable to convert on two put-back attempts in the dying moments of the game.
U.S. coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the challenge posed by South Sudan, praising their performance and admitting that his team was caught off guard. “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.”
Despite the close call, Kerr saw the game as a valuable experience for his team. “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,” Kerr added.
James’ clutch performance was supported by strong contributions from other U.S. players. Joel Embiid, who became a U.S. citizen in 2022, scored 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds. Anthony Davis, coming off the bench, added 15 points and 11 rebounds, underscoring the depth of the U.S. squad.
South Sudan’s standout players included Marial Shayok, who scored 24 points, and J.T. Thor, who had 14 points off the bench. Carlik Jones delivered a triple-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists.
As the U.S. team continues its preparations for the Paris Olympics, this close encounter serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of international basketball. The Americans will have another chance to face South Sudan in the Olympics group stages on July 31 in Lille.
LeBron James summed up the experience succinctly: “Every game, every film session, we get an opportunity. We have to try to make the most of it, not taking any steps back.” The U.S. team will need to address their weaknesses and build on their performances to ensure they are fully prepared for the challenges ahead in Paris.
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