In a thrilling exhibition match at the O2 Arena in London, Team USA narrowly avoided a stunning upset by South Sudan, clinching a 101-100 victory. The game, which served as a warm-up for the upcoming Paris Olympics, saw the American team rally from a 16-point deficit to secure the win, thanks to game-winning layup by LeBron James.
South Sudan, a young and rapidly improving team, came out strong, building a significant lead in the first half. Their aggressive play and sharp shooting put Team USA on the back foot, with the Americans struggling to find their rhythm. LeBron James led the comeback, scoring a game-high 25 points, including the decisive basket with just eight seconds remaining.
Anthony Davis also played a crucial role, contributing a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. Despite the victory, the game highlighted several areas of concern for Team USA, particularly their defensive lapses and inconsistent shooting from beyond the arc.
After the game, head coach Steve Kerr candidly admitted that he did not adequately prepare his team for the challenge posed by South Sudan.
“I did not do a great job preparing our team,” Kerr said. “We did not focus enough on what they’re capable of, and that’s on me. I think that really allowed South Sudan to gain confidence early.”
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Kerr’s comments reflect a broader recognition of the need for better preparation and focus as the team heads into the Olympics.
“The whole team was embarrassed at halftime,” Kerr noted. “We need to be more consistent and ensure that we don’t underestimate any opponent”.
Steve Kerr said he didn’t do a good job preparing #TeamUSA. pic.twitter.com/QlsZMNhpJv
— Len Werle (@RealLennyCarlos) July 20, 2024
The close call against South Sudan serves as a wake-up call for Team USA. With the Olympics just around the corner, Kerr and his coaching staff will need to address these issues to ensure the team is fully prepared for the challenges ahead. The Americans will face Germany in their final exhibition game before heading to Paris, where they hope to defend their Olympic title.
This game against South Sudan, while nerve-wracking, provided valuable lessons and underscored the importance of never underestimating an opponent. As Kerr and his team regroup, they will undoubtedly use this experience to fuel their preparations and strive for gold in Paris.
