During an Olympics exhibition matchup between Team USA and South Sudan, things didn't go as expected.
Coming into the game South Sudan, ranked No. 33 in the world rankings, was a 43.5 point underdog vs. the No. 1 ranked United States of America.
After starting on a 10-2 run, Team USA let their guard down, as South Sudan took control at the end of the first quarter, and held a lead all the way into halftime, 58-44.
Work to do at the half.
🇺🇸 #USABMNT pic.twitter.com/ptVkYyAk6c
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 20, 2024
Notably, South Sudan had multiple players show out, as Marial Shayok dropped 25 points (6-for-12 3PT), and Carlik Jones contributed a triple-double (15 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists).
On the other hand, LeBron James was about the only player that had anything going for the USA squad, leading the team with 25 points (10-for-14 FG) and seven assists.
LeBron James checked in with Team USA down 71-60 in the 3rd.
The following included:
3PT — LeBron
AST — LeBron
AST — LeBron
FG — LeBron
AST — LeBron
AST — LeBronSpearheaded a 21-5 run to give Team USA a 5-PT lead entering the 4th.
Almost 40 years old… 🐐 pic.twitter.com/kdhqfGi7zY
— Witness King James (@WITNESSKJ) July 20, 2024
39-year-old LeBron checked back into the game at the four-minute mark in the 3rd quarter with the U.S. trailing by 11 points, and he then proceeded to assist or score on six of the following scoring possessions. This led to a huge run to put Team USA back in front heading into the last quarter.
#USABMNT just went on a 16-0 run to take the lead heading into the 4Q 🤯
USA-South Sudan | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/blCTMUflWA
— NBA (@NBA) July 20, 2024
After Team USA finally found some rhythm, they were able to keep it close before pulling away, taking a 99-92 lead with two minutes left in the contest. Nevertheless, South Sudan never gave up as they crawled their way back.
With 20 seconds left, the score was 99-97, JT Thor dribbled the ball into the corner and sunk a three-point shot in the face of LeBron, to give South Sudan a 100-99 lead.
JT Thor gives South Sudan the lead with 20 seconds left in the 4Q!
USA-South Sudan | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/BoEqIN5owu
— NBA (@NBA) July 20, 2024
Down by one point, there was no question who was going to take the last shot for Team USA, LeBron took the ball up the court and made a driving layup putting the Americans back up 101-100.
LEBRON JAMES WINS IT FOR #USABMNT ‼️ pic.twitter.com/IHdQBZVB87
— NBA (@NBA) July 20, 2024
The South Sudanese ultimately came up short, as they missed a couple shots right before the buzzer, however, considering the game was supposed to be a blowout, it was an impressive performance to say the least.
A win is a win.
🎙 @KingJames inside the 🇺🇸 #USABMNT huddle. pic.twitter.com/AtqGfQ1aqS
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 20, 2024
Reporter: “[It was] almost a miracle win for South Sudan, but you managed to stay there. What was the key for [Team USA]?”
Anthony Edwards: “LeBron James.”
(via @cesaremilanti)pic.twitter.com/BJPaVbg2lD
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 21, 2024
To note, Phoenix Suns' Bol Bol, arguably the best player for South Sudan, didn't even play as he had been ruled out for the 2024 Paris Olympics due to "personal reasons."
With their current roster, South Sudan looks to be in great form heading into their first ever Olympics, led by current and former NBA players, Shayok, Jones, Thor, Wenyen Gabriel, and Peter Jok. Not to mention, they also have a 17-year-old future star by the name of Khaman Malauch (7 points; 3-for-4 FG), who is a five-star prospect committed to Duke.
So far, Team USA has gone 4-0 during their preliminary showcase games, and will play one more exhibition game vs. Germany (July 22) in London, before they head to Paris for the Olympics. The first official game will take place on July 28 vs. Serbia, who is led by 3x NBA MVP Nikola Jokic.
To point out, South Sudan and Team USA will face-off again in a rematch, as they will play each other in a group stage matchup on July 31.
