LeBron James led the U.S. Olympic team to a thrilling 101-100 victory over South Sudan in London, narrowly avoiding what could have been a historic upset. Despite trailing by 16 points, the Americans staged a remarkable comeback, culminating in James' clutch layup with 8 seconds remaining to secure the win.
The game, which saw South Sudan leading for more than half the duration, provided a stern test for the U.S. squad. Facing a team that entered as 43.5-point underdogs, the Americans had to dig deep to overcome the resilient South Sudanese side.
James finished with an impressive stat line of 25 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, leading the U.S. to victory. Anthony Davis also contributed significantly with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
South Sudan's Marial Shayok put up a strong performance with 24 points, while Carlik Jones recorded a triple-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists.
The U.S. team, comprised of All-Stars and NBA champions, initially struggled against the determined South Sudanese players. However, an 18-0 run in the second half, spearheaded by James, turned the tide in favor of the Americans.
Despite the challenging matchup, both teams displayed sportsmanship and pride in representing their respective countries. The game served as a valuable learning experience for the U.S. squad, highlighting the competitive nature of international basketball.
Looking ahead to the Paris Olympics, where the two teams will meet again on July 31, the U.S. acknowledges the need to remain focused and prepared for tough competition. The narrow victory over South Sudan serves as a reminder that no opponent can be underestimated at the Olympic level.
As the U.S. team continues its pre-Olympic exhibition tour, they aim to build on this hard-fought win and refine their strategies for the upcoming games. The close encounter with South Sudan has emphasized the importance of resilience and adaptability in pursuit of success on the global stage.
For more updates on the Summer Olympics, visit AP Summer Olympics.
