In a rematch against South Sudan, the U.S. men's basketball team secured a spot in the quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics with a 103-86 victory. The game, although not a romp, saw the Americans take control early with a 25-4 run in the first half.
Bam Adebayo led the U.S. reserves with 18 points, while Kevin Durant contributed 14 points to the win. The bench players played a significant role, scoring a total of 66 points, showcasing the team's depth and versatility.
The victory ensured the U.S. team's advancement to the knockout round as the No. 1 seed from Group C. Joining Canada, France, and Germany in the quarterfinals, the U.S. team looks forward to maintaining their winning momentum.
Looking ahead to their upcoming game against Puerto Rico, the U.S. team aims to secure a top-two seed for the knockout round by maintaining their unbeaten record in group play. The players acknowledge the need for improvement and view each game as an opportunity to refine their performance.
South Sudan, despite the loss, remains positive and focused on their upcoming game against Serbia, which holds significance for both teams' knockout-stage aspirations. The draw for the quarterfinal matchups will take place on Saturday night, with all four quarterfinal games scheduled to be played on Tuesday in Paris.
The U.S. team's dominant performance against South Sudan highlighted their talent and depth, with Coach Steve Kerr emphasizing the team's versatility and the strength of their roster. As the tournament progresses, the U.S. team remains determined to showcase their capabilities and compete at the highest level.
The story of South Sudan's journey to the Paris Olympics, representing the youngest country in the world, continues to captivate audiences. Despite the challenges, the team's resilience and spirit embody the essence of the Olympic Games, inspiring admiration and respect.
As the competition intensifies, both the U.S. and South Sudan teams look ahead to their remaining games with determination and a commitment to giving their best on the court.
For more updates on the Summer Olympics, visit AP Summer Olympics.