USA Basketball faced off against South Sudan on Wednesday afternoon. This encounter, aired at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network, marked a significant moment in the tournament, especially after the thrilling exhibition game on July 20 where Team USA narrowly escaped with a 101-100 victory thanks to a clutch layup by LeBron James. This time, the stakes were higher as both teams competed for a crucial spot in the quarterfinals.
Led by basketball legends LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant, Team USA demonstrated their dominance from the start. The game kicked off with a powerful opening, as Jayson Tatum, who started after not playing in the previous game, quickly set the tone alongside Anthony Davis and Devin Booker. The first quarter saw Team USA pulling away with an 18-4 run, ending the quarter with a substantial lead.
Bam Adebayo, starting in place of Joel Embiid, was the standout player for USA Basketball, finishing with an impressive 18 points and 7 rebounds. His perfect first half, where he scored 14 points on 6/6 shooting, set the stage for a commanding performance. LeBron James, continuing to defy age at 39, contributed significantly with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, showing his leadership on the court.
Kevin Durant, returning from a calf strain, also made a significant impact. His flawless shooting in the first half against Serbia carried over to this game, contributing to the team’s overall shooting percentage of 56.3% from beyond the arc. Derrick White, a crucial bench player, added 10 points, further showcasing the depth of Team USA.
South Sudan, a young team making their Olympic debut, continued to impress. Despite their loss, they showed remarkable resilience and skill. Carlik Jones, the star of the South Sudan team, continued his impressive run from the exhibition games. Known for his exceptional playmaking and scoring ability, Jones led his team with determination.
Nuni Omot emerged as the leading scorer for South Sudan, putting up 24 points on 8/13 shooting. His efforts, along with those of his teammates, kept the game competitive, particularly in the third quarter where they outscored USA Basketball 21-18. However, despite their efforts, they couldn’t overcome the formidable USA Basketball team.
The final score saw USA Basketball triumphing over South Sudan with a score of 103-86. This victory not only secured Team USA’s spot in the quarterfinals but also demonstrated their capability to adapt and dominate even when faced with strong opposition. The game’s outcome was a testament to the team’s preparation and the individual brilliance of players like Adebayo, James, and Durant.
With this win, Team USA is set to wrap up the group stages with a final game against Puerto Rico on Saturday. This match is expected to be less challenging, given USA Basketball’s current form and the performance of their star players. Meanwhile, South Sudan will face Serbia in a critical match that will determine their fate in the tournament.