In a thrilling exhibition game at the O2 Arena in London, Team USA narrowly edged out South Sudan with a 101-100 victory on Saturday, a contest highlighted by last-second heroics and stellar performances on both sides.
LeBron James' Last-Second Brilliance
LeBron James once again proved why he's considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. With just eight seconds remaining on the clock, James drove to the basket and sank a game-winning layup to put Team USA ahead. James led the team in scoring with 23 points, shooting an impressive 9-for-13 from the field. Additionally, he contributed six rebounds and seven assists, all in just 23 minutes of play.
A Rollercoaster of a Game
The contest was anything but straightforward for Team USA. They burst out of the gate with a 12-2 run, capturing early momentum. However, South Sudan showcased resilience and skill, surging back to take a 14-point lead at halftime. The intensity didn't drop off in the second half; South Sudan clung to a one-point lead late in the fourth quarter, setting the stage for the dramatic finale.
Standout Performances from Both Sides
South Sudan put forth a valiant effort, with several players delivering standout performances. Carlik Jones recorded an impressive triple-double, tallying 15 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds. Marial Shayok was a force to be reckoned with, scoring 25 points on 9-for-16 shooting, including a remarkable 6-for-12 from three-point range.
Not to be outdone, Anthony Edwards made a crucial defensive play in the closing moments. Stripping the ball from Wenyen Gabriel, Edwards prevented what could have been a game-changing play for South Sudan. Gabriel, attempting to rebound Jones' missed floater, failed to convert the putback, sealing South Sudan’s fate.
Mixed Results Beyond the Arc
While Team USA struggled with their outside shooting, making only 7 of their 28 three-point attempts, South Sudan had a more efficient night from beyond the arc, hitting 14 of their 33 three-point tries for a 42.4% shooting percentage. This difference kept the game highly competitive and South Sudan within striking distance throughout the match.
Depth and Strategic Changes
Steve Kerr, head coach of Team USA, employed a strategy of depth and rotation, particularly in the third quarter where he fielded his second unit. The shift in lineup dynamics has been a point of curiosity among analysts. One previous reviewer commented, "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." Indeed, the game witnessed Coby White making his presence felt with five assists in just 11 minutes, marking his debut run with the national team.
Contributions Across the Board
Joel Embiid provided additional firepower for Team USA, scoring 14 points on an efficient 5-for-6 shooting. In his 18 minutes of gameplay, he also tallied seven rebounds and two assists, offering a well-rounded performance that complemented James’ leadership on the court.
Defensive Efforts Leading to Victory
A consistent theme for Team USA was their defensive prowess, which frequently ignited their offensive capabilities. Noted observers have pointed out, "Team USA, as usual, was at their best when their defense led to offense." This defensive intensity was particularly evident in the turnover battle, which Team USA won 15-12, providing them crucial extra possessions in a game where every possession counted.
As Team USA continues their exhibition tour, they will face Germany next, also in London, with the game scheduled for Monday at 3 p.m. ET. This match will provide another opportunity for Kerr to fine-tune his rotations and give players more time to gel ahead of more consequential encounters in the future.
Saturday's game against South Sudan offered a tantalizing glimpse into the resilience and talent of both squads. With electrifying moments and individual brilliance, it’s clear that both teams have much to offer as they continue their respective journeys.