James hits game winner with 8 seconds left, US avoids upset and escapes South Sudan 101-100
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| United States' forward LeBron James bumps fists with teammates after the end of an exhibition basketball game between the United States and South Sudan, at the o2 Arena in London, Saturday, July 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) |
LeBron James rescued the U.S. from what could have been a shocking defeat.
With just 8 seconds left, James made a decisive layup, securing a 101-100 victory for the U.S. Olympic team against South Sudan in London. This nail-biting win saw the Americans rally from a 16-point deficit to avoid what would have been a historic upset.
South Sudan, an African nation that gained independence just 13 years ago and is set to compete in the Olympics for the first time, led for over half the game and had a chance to clinch victory at the end. However, Carlik Jones’ shot missed with 4 seconds remaining, allowing the U.S. to escape narrowly.
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“I prefer these close games to blowouts,” James admitted. “At least we’re being challenged.”
The challenge was indeed significant, especially since South Sudan entered the game as 43.5-point underdogs, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
“It’s a good reminder that every team we face is playing the biggest game of their lives,” said U.S. coach Steve Kerr. “We have to expect that level of intensity.”
Trailing by 16 points at one stage, the Americans clawed their way back with an 18-0 run in the second half, though they still needed a heroic finish. JT Thor’s three-pointer had given South Sudan a 100-99 lead with 20 seconds left, but the U.S. called a timeout and handed the ball to James. He patiently waited before driving in for an easy layup, putting the U.S. ahead, and the team then secured a crucial stop.
James finished with 25 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, leading the U.S. to a 4-0 record on their pre-Olympic exhibition tour. Anthony Davis contributed 15 points and 11 rebounds.
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Marial Shayok scored 24 points for South Sudan, and Jones recorded a triple-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists.
The two teams will meet again in group play at the Paris Olympics on July 31.
“It’s basketball. These things happen,” U.S. guard Stephen Curry said. “You aim for perfection, but it’s about digging deep and doing the little things that win games. Defense is key.”
The game was expected to be a mismatch, given the U.S. roster of 12 All-Stars and NBA champions with a combined 189,038 career points and 7,832 starts. In contrast, South Sudan had only four players with NBA experience, totaling 1,228 points and 19 starts.
Despite the odds, South Sudan led 58-42 late in the first half before the U.S. cut the deficit to 14 at halftime.
“We weren’t adequately prepared,” Kerr acknowledged. “That’s on me. South Sudan played brilliantly, and the close finish was a good experience for us.”
The U.S. turned the game around with an 18-0 run in the second half, largely thanks to James’ playmaking. Curry’s deep three-pointer gave the U.S. their first lead since the first quarter.
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Wenyen Gabriel’s three-pointer brought South Sudan close again at 85-84, but James answered with his own three-pointer, helping the U.S. secure the narrow victory.
“Today, we represented our country with pride,” Gabriel said. “It was a proud moment for many.”
Davis noted that the team’s arrival at the arena was delayed by London traffic, disrupting their pre-game routine. Nonetheless, South Sudan’s performance reminded the U.S. that no team will concede easily at the Olympics.
“No matter how close the game is, we aim to improve,” James said.
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