In a dramatic exhibition game at the O2 Arena in London, Team USA narrowly edged out South Sudan with a 101-100 victory on Saturday. The highlight of the match came in the final seconds when LeBron James made a game-winning layup, sealing the win for his team with just eight seconds left on the clock.
James showcased his leadership and scoring prowess, leading Team USA with an impressive 23 points on 9-for-13 shooting, six rebounds, and seven assists in just 23 minutes of action. The veteran's performance was crucial in a game that saw multiple momentum swings.
Early Game Dominance and Mid-Game Struggles
Team USA started the game on a high note, launching a 12-2 run that set the tone early. However, South Sudan, led by the dynamic play of Marial Shayok and Carlik Jones, fought back to take control. By halftime, South Sudan had overturned the early deficit to lead by 14 points, a testament to their resilience and shooting accuracy.
Shayok was particularly impressive, scoring 25 points on 9-for-16 shooting, including 6-for-12 from beyond the arc. Jones recorded a remarkable triple-double with 15 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds, making his presence felt across the court.
A Thrilling Fourth Quarter
The fourth quarter was a nail-biter, with South Sudan taking a one-point lead late in the game. As the clock wound down, Anthony Edwards made a decisive defensive play by stripping the ball from Wenyen Gabriel, preventing a potential game-changing shot. In the frantic final moments, Gabriel missed an attempted putback after Carlik Jones' floater missed, giving Team USA the opening they needed.
Team USA's defense was critical in this match and, as noted observers remarked, "Team USA, as usual, was at their best when their defense led to offense." This defensive strategy allowed them to claw back into the game after losing their early advantage.
Bench Contributions and Key Performances
Steve Kerr's coaching decisions also played a pivotal role. In the third quarter, Kerr opted to put his second unit on the floor, a move that provided fresh energy and kept the game within reach. White, in his first run with the national team, dished out five assists in just 11 minutes, showcasing his playmaking ability.
Joel Embiid contributed significantly as well, adding 14 points on 5-for-6 shooting with seven rebounds and two assists in 18 minutes. His efficient performance underscored the depth and versatility of Team USA's roster.
Shooting Woes and Turnover Battle
Despite the win, Team USA struggled from long range, making only 7 of their 28 three-point attempts. In contrast, South Sudan was significantly more efficient, connecting on 14 of their 33 attempts from beyond the arc, a 42.4% shooting rate.
However, Team USA managed to win the turnover battle, committing 15 turnovers compared to South Sudan’s 12. This defensive pressure was instrumental in disrupting South Sudan’s offensive rhythm.
Looking Ahead
The exhibition match served as a valuable learning experience for both squads. Team USA will need to address their three-point shooting inconsistency and continue to rely on their defensive strengths. As a part of their ongoing preparations, Team USA is set to meet Germany in another exhibition game in London on Monday at 3 p.m. ET. It remains to be seen whether Coach Kerr will experiment with different lineups, considering previous comments: "I'd be curious to see what lineups with both Haliburton and White look like, but it's unclear if Kerr will even experiment with them."
This nail-biting finish against South Sudan will undoubtedly provide the coaching staff with ample material to fine-tune their strategies as they inch closer to the main competitive events. For now, Team USA can savor their hard-fought victory and the invaluable experience gained from this closely contested game.