Team USA in the prizes for narrow victory over South Sudan

When LeBron James won his last Olympic gold medal in 2012, South Sudan had only been a country for a year and didn’t even have a national basketball team. Now, the NBA legend had to lead Team USA to a thrilling 101-100 comeback victory to survive the ultimate underdog.

In what should have been the easiest exhibition game for the Americans before they travel to Paris, France, for the 2024 Summer Games, South Sudan made their presence known to the basketball-watching world. The African nation, coming off a respectable showing in the 2023 FIBA ​​World Cup, led the consensus best team in the world with 14 points at halftime.

Former Louisville star Carlik Jones, who last played in the NBA for the Chicago Bulls in 2022-23, recorded a triple-double in the loss (15 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists). James finished with 23 points on 9 of 13 shooting and made the game-winning bucket with eight seconds left on a bold and brilliant 3-pointer by South Sudan’s JT Thor (former Charlotte Hornets player).

Anthony Davis and Derrick White, among others, played excellent defense on the final possession to prevent a miraculous loss. However, the successful comeback attempt was not enough to assuage people’s concerns.

Fans React to Shocking Close Win by Team USA

“South Sudan crushed Team USA for an entire half,” one fan posted on X, formerly Twitter. “Crazy how just five years ago there wasn’t a single indoor basketball court in the entire country.” Luol Deng, the president of the country’s basketball association and a two-time NBA All-Star, has poured millions into the program. His dedication to his home country is there for all to see.

While this is undoubtedly a fairytale moment for South Sudan, it is also proof that an American team filled with absolute greats like LeBron James and Stephen Curry, and many more future Hall of Famers, can sometimes be vulnerable.

“South Sudan just proved that this American team is beatable,” another fan said. “And this same South Sudan is not the best team in Africa.” Others were more blunt in their assessment of the Americans’ narrow victory.
“Team USA almost beat South Sudan in BASKETBALL. Embarrassing.”

It’s perfectly understandable that the public would bash this powerhouse team, especially since it was a 40-point favorite going into Saturday’s game. But South Sudan clearly made the mistake. The group, coached by 10-year NBA veteran and Houston Rockets assistant Royal Ivey, showed skill and toughness as they pushed Team USA to the limit.

But will there be enough fight and magic left when the two countries meet again at the end of July at the Olympic Games in Paris? Fans will be on the alert for that, that’s for sure.