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0 In a thrilling basketball showdown, the Team USA found themselves on the verge of one of the most significant upsets in their basketball history. South Sudan’s relatively unknown roster, featuring players like JT Thor of the Charlotte Hornets and several former NBA players such as Carlik Jones, came within 2 points of defeating Team USA. At one point during the second quarter, South Sudan held a remarkable 16-point lead.
Notably, South Sudan’s team boasts a remarkably young roster, having been established in 2011 and joining FIBA in 2013. This marked their first qualification for the Olympics, and their impressive performance against the widely favored USA team suggests a promising future for them in the competition.
Following the game, Steve Kerr acknowledged that the team had let their guard down. The only reason the USA narrowly clinched victory was LeBron James’ exceptional performance, including a tough layup that put the USA ahead by 1 point. South Sudan missed a layup and a putback, ultimately leading to their defeat.
In terms of overall statistics, the USA and South Sudan were evenly matched. The USA made 36 of 77 field goal attempts, achieving a 46.75% field goal percentage, while South Sudan made 38 of 80 attempts, with a 47.5% field goal percentage. However, South Sudan outperformed the USA in three-pointers, making 14 of 33 attempts at a 42.42% rate, compared to the USA’s 7 of 28 at 25%. Both teams recorded 23 assists, with South Sudan leading in steals with 7 to the USA’s 6. The USA, however, had 4 blocks compared to South Sudan’s 3 and led in rebounds with 47 to South Sudan’s 45.
For South Sudan, Marial Shayok stood out with 24 points and 2 steals, sinking 6 3-pointers. Carlik Jones achieved a triple-double with 11 rebounds, 11 assists, and 15 points, while JT Thor contributed 14 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and a block and a steal coming off the bench.
LeBron James led the USA in scoring with 25 points, including the game-winning layup, alongside 6 rebounds and 7 assists. Joel Embiid scored 14 points but seemed slightly sluggish, and Stephen Curry contributed 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists. Anthony Davis scored the usual 15 points and 11 rebounds, with Anthony Edwards adding 11 points, a steal, and a block, and Tatum contributing 9 points. Haliburton and White didn’t score in 16 and 11 minutes, while Bam added 4 points off the bench.
This tough matchup will undoubtedly prompt the USA to work even harder in the future. Despite the drop in odds following the game, many still believe that the USA team has what it takes to become champions. As for South Sudan, their impressive performance indicates a bright future ahead, and they should continue on this path of success.
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