Let's just say it wasn't exactly a golden performance from Team USA in its latest exhibition game ahead of the Paris Olympics.
In fact, it took a 16-0 run in the third quarter and a LeBron James layup with 8 seconds left for the Americans to edge South Sudan by a 101-100 count on Saturday in London. The U.S. next plays Germany in an exhibition on Monday.
The Americans entered the game as 43-point favorites.
For most of the first half, South Sudan — which was missing center Bol Bol — pushed around Team USA, building a 15-point lead and looking considerably more fluid.
But as the Americans have proven in these exhibition outings, defense is the name of the game. And they again turned it way, way up when they needed to most.
They also have enough talent to make sure they get big baskets, and none were bigger than the driving layup by James. The fact he can still get around defenders nearly half his age says both a lot about him and the state of basketball around the globe.
LEBRON WINS IT FOR TEAM USA IN THE CLUTCH đź‘‘ pic.twitter.com/84ed8dQQlE
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 20, 2024
Namely, what the heck is the NBA gonna do once this guy retires? He remains the face of the league even though he's at an age where he should be taking a backseat to other future greats. That's not been the case in the NBA and it's sure not in international play, either.
Overall, though, the USA will need work when the Olympics officially begin on July 28 (vs. Serbia). This game proved as much.
James finished with 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting, with six boards and six assists. Anthony Davis added 15 points and Joel Embiid scored 14 on 5-of-6 shooting. Stephen Curry scored 12 and Anthony Edwards 11, each on 4-of-11 from the field.
South Sudan guard Carlik Jones, an unrestricted free agent, put up a triple-double to the tune of 15 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Perhaps his phone will start ringing. Same goes for forward JT Thor, who buried a 3-pointer to give South Sudan a 100-99 lead — just before James' heroics.
Absolute chaos at the end of the game 🤯. LeBron’s layup with 8 seconds left helps USA ESCAPE vs South Sudan, 101-100.
WHAT A GAME! pic.twitter.com/mmlb7B6t09
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) July 20, 2024
(This article originally appeared in Hoops Wire and was republished with permission.)
