In a thrilling exhibition game at the O2 Arena in London, Team USA narrowly edged out South Sudan 101-100, showcasing the high-level talent and tenacity of both teams. The game, which took place on Saturday, was a seesaw battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.
LeBron's Last-Second Heroics
The match reached its crescendo in the final seconds, with LeBron James delivering a game-winning layup with just eight seconds left on the clock. James, who led the U.S. squad with 23 points, was clinical, shooting 9-for-13 from the field. He also contributed six rebounds and seven assists in just 23 minutes of play. His performance epitomized why he's considered one of the greatest to have ever played the game.
A Tale of Two Halves
Team USA came out firing, opening the contest with a 12-2 run that set the tone for what seemed to be an early blowout. However, South Sudan had other plans. They regrouped, and by halftime, held a commanding 14-point lead. The momentum swung like a pendulum throughout the game, making it a nail-biter down the stretch.
South Sudan's resilience was led by Carlik Jones, who not only recorded a triple-double with 15 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds but also paced his team with smart playmaking. Complementing his efforts, Marial Shayok delivered an impressive 25 points on 9-for-16 shooting, including a stellar 6-for-12 from beyond the arc.
Key Plays in the Clutch
Late in the fourth quarter, South Sudan managed to take a one-point lead, rattling Team USA. Yet, the American side remained composed. Anthony Edwards made a crucial defensive play, stripping the ball from Wenyen Gabriel in the final moments to thwart a potentially game-changing situation.
As the seconds ticked away, South Sudan had one last gasp when Carlik Jones' floater missed the mark. Wenyen Gabriel attempted a putback but failed to convert, sealing their fate and giving Team USA the narrow victory.
Shooting Struggles and Bench Contributions
Despite shooting only 25% from three-point range (7-for-28), Team USA managed to secure the win. In contrast, South Sudan was far more effective from beyond the arc, hitting 42.4% of their attempts (14-for-33). The Americans, however, won the turnover battle 15-12, which proved critical in such a tightly contested game.
Coach Steve Kerr made strategic adjustments, notably running his second unit during the third quarter. This move allowed for fresher legs in crunch time and provided invaluable experience for his reserves. Coby White, in particular, made a noteworthy impact, dishing out five assists in his first 11 minutes on the court for the national team.
Supporting Cast Shines
Joel Embiid added 14 points on an efficient 5-for-6 shooting in 18 minutes, along with seven rebounds and two assists. His presence in the paint and ability to stretch the floor were crucial for Team USA’s inside-out game plan.
Moreover, observers noted that “Team USA, as usual, was at their best when their defense led to offense,” highlighting the seamless transition game that has become the hallmark of the American squad. Fast breaks and quick ball movement were pivotal in overcoming South Sudan's defensive schemes.
Looking Ahead
The game's intensity sets the stage for another exciting match-up as Team USA is slated to meet Germany in an exhibition game in London on Monday at 3 p.m. ET. As the American squad continues to fine-tune their lineup and strategies, one quote from a previous game review stands out: “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.” Such tinkering could provide valuable insights as Team USA preps for future competitive fixtures.
With the blend of experienced veterans like LeBron and rising stars like Anthony Edwards, Team USA continues to demonstrate why they are a formidable force in international basketball.