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In an electrifying exhibition match held in London on July 20, 2024, Team USA narrowly defeated South Sudan 101-100. This game, part of the pre-Olympics preparation, showcased intense competition and skill from both teams, setting the stage for a highly anticipated Olympic basketball tournament in Paris.
LeBron James was the standout player for Team USA, scoring the game-winning layup in the final seconds. His performance, which included 21 points, six rebounds, and six assists, was pivotal in securing the win. Other key contributors included Anthony Davis, who played a crucial role in the paint, and Stephen Curry, whose three-point shooting helped maintain the momentum during critical moments.
South Sudan, despite the narrow loss, displayed a remarkable performance. Marial Shayok and Carlik Jones were instrumental in keeping the game competitive. Shayok’s impressive shooting from beyond the arc and Jones’ all-around play, including a triple-double, highlighted South Sudan’s potential as a formidable team in the upcoming Olympics.
Game Highlights
- First Half: South Sudan surprised Team USA with their defensive intensity and three-point shooting, leading 58-44 at halftime. Carlik Jones orchestrated the offense effectively, contributing significantly with points, rebounds, and assists.
- Second Half: Team USA mounted a comeback, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Key defensive plays and timely shooting from Stephen Curry and Devin Booker helped close the gap.
- Final Moments: With under a minute remaining, JT Thor hit a crucial three-pointer for South Sudan, giving them a one-point lead. However, LeBron James responded with a game-winning layup, securing a narrow victory for Team USA (NBC Sports).
How to Watch
For those eager to catch the action and follow Team USA’s journey to the Paris Olympics, here are several options:
- Peacock TV: NBC’s streaming service will broadcast all the games live. Subscribing to Peacock will provide access to live streams and replays.
- Telemundo Deportes: Spanish-speaking audiences can enjoy comprehensive coverage on Telemundo.
- 9Now: For viewers outside the USA, particularly in Australia, 9Now offers full coverage. A VPN can be used to access a server in Australia to watch through this service (Sporting News).
Analysis and Expectations
The close victory against South Sudan highlighted areas where Team USA needs improvement, particularly in defense and three-point shooting accuracy. Coach Steve Kerr will need to address these issues as the team heads into the Olympics. Despite the win, the game showed that even top-tier teams like Team USA can face significant challenges from rising teams like South Sudan.
Conclusion
The exhibition game between USA Basketball and South Sudan was a thrilling preview of what fans can expect at the 2024 Paris Olympics. With LeBron James leading the charge and South Sudan proving to be formidable opponents, the stage is set for an exciting Olympic basketball competition. Fans can look forward to more high-stakes games and unforgettable moments as the tournament progresses.
