In a thrilling exhibition match at the O2 Arena in London, Team USA edged out South Sudan with a nail-biting 101-100 victory. The game came down to the wire, and it was none other than LeBron James who rose to the occasion, making a game-winning layup with just eight seconds left on the clock. James, who led Team USA with 23 points on 9-for-13 shooting, also contributed six rebounds and seven assists in an impressive 23-minute stint.
Hot Start and Early Struggles
Team USA's aggressive approach was evident from the get-go, as they started the game with a commanding 12-2 run. However, South Sudan was not to be underestimated. By halftime, South Sudan had turned the tables and secured a 14-point lead, putting Team USA on the back foot.
A Game of Momentum Shifts
As the second half unfolded, momentum continued to swing between the two teams. South Sudan took a one-point lead late in the fourth quarter, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. Anthony Edwards played a crucial role in the final moments, stripping the ball from Wenyen Gabriel to prevent what could have been a game-changing play.
Defensive Clutch Plays
With seconds ticking away, South Sudan had another chance to clinch the game. Carlik Jones attempted a floater, but it missed the mark. Wenyen Gabriel, in an attempt to secure a putback, also failed to convert, sealing Team USA's narrow victory.
Standout Performances
James was undoubtedly the star of the night, but the game saw impressive performances from both sides. Carlik Jones delivered a stellar triple-double for South Sudan, finishing with 15 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds. Marial Shayok was another standout, scoring 25 points on 9-for-16 shooting, including an impressive 6-for-12 from beyond the arc.
For Team USA, Joel Embiid added a solid 14 points on 5-for-6 shooting in just 18 minutes, along with seven rebounds and two assists. Steve Kerr's decision to put his second unit on the floor in the third quarter proved beneficial as it gave some of the bench players an opportunity to showcase their skills. White, making his first run with the national team, dished out five assists in 11 minutes.
Shooting Woes and Triumphs
Despite the victory, Team USA struggled with their three-point shooting, making just 7 of their 28 attempts. In contrast, South Sudan excelled from beyond the arc, converting 14 of their 33 attempts at a rate of 42.4%. However, Team USA managed to win the turnover battle, 15-12, a factor that played a significant role in their win.
Looking Forward
Next up for Team USA is another exhibition game against Germany in London on Monday at 3 p.m. ET. As they prepare for this upcoming challenge, one can't help but reflect on the insights from noted observers: "Team USA, as usual, was at their best when their defense led to offense."
Kerr's strategies will undoubtedly be under the microscope, especially with comments like, "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."
The close contest with South Sudan has certainly provided plenty of talking points and areas for improvement as Team USA continues their journey. With such a talented roster, the possibilities are endless, and fans will be eager to see how they evolve in the coming matches.