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In a thrilling pre-Olympic exhibition match, the United States men's basketball team narrowly escaped a monumental upset, edging out South Sudan 101-100 in London. The game, which saw the underdogs lead by as much as 16 points, served as a stark reminder that no team can be taken lightly on the international stage.
LeBron James proved to be the hero for Team USA, scoring the game-winning layup with just 8 seconds remaining. The 39-year-old veteran finished with 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, demonstrating his continued value to the national team.
South Sudan, a nation that gained independence only 13 years ago and is set to make its Olympic debut in Paris, stunned the basketball world with their performance. They dominated the first half, shooting an impressive 61% from the field and outscoring the Americans 21-3 from beyond the arc.
The underdogs, who entered the game as 43.5-point underdogs according to BetMGM Sportsbook, led 58-42 late in the second quarter. Their confident play forced U.S. coach Steve Kerr to acknowledge the team's lack of preparation for South Sudan's capabilities.
Team USA's turnaround began in the second half with an 18-0 run that erased their deficit and gave them an 83-76 lead. However, South Sudan refused to back down, setting up a tense finish. JT Thor's three-pointer with 20 seconds left put South Sudan ahead 100-99, setting the stage for James' heroics.
Marial Shayok led all scorers with 25 points for South Sudan, while Carlik Jones impressed with a triple-double of 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. Anthony Davis contributed 15 points for the U.S.
The close call highlighted the growing competitiveness in international basketball and the importance of mental preparation. Stephen Curry emphasized the need for strong defense in tight situations, stating, "Offense can come and go, but defense is the thing that helps you win championships, medals, all that stuff."
This exhibition game served as a preview of the upcoming Olympic matchup between these two teams, scheduled for July 31 in Paris. The U.S. team, seeking their fifth consecutive gold medal, will need to address the vulnerabilities exposed in this contest.
As the Americans look ahead to their final warm-up game against World Cup champions Germany, they carry valuable lessons from this near-upset. The experience underscores the importance of respecting every opponent and maintaining focus throughout each game.
For South Sudan, this performance will boost confidence as they prepare for their historic Olympic debut. Their showing against the world's top-ranked team suggests they could be a dark horse in the tournament, capable of challenging even the most established basketball nations.
