Team USA have assembled one of the best Olympic teams in history, but only narrowly managed to beat South Sudan 101-100 on Saturday night.
South Sudan are certainly competitive, but one of their players Wenyen Gabriel admitted, “We don’t have any indoor basketball courts in our country. …We’re a bunch of refugees that came together for a few weeks out of the year”. (via Cesare Milanti)
With eight seconds left to play, LeBron went for a driving layup that ultimately saved USA from a historic upset.
Despite the near loss, LeBron was hyped after the game and thrived on the fact that South Sudan kept it close.
“I like those better than the blowouts,” James said while walking into the tunnel after the game. “At least we’re getting tested. I like getting tested, baby.”
LeBron led Team USA’s scoring with 25 points.
After the narrow win, USA head coach Steve Kerr admitted that he could have done more to prepare his team for the game, but gave South Sudan their flowers.
“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.
“They were great. They played a wonderful game and the ending was good for us, just to feel that, to feel what it’s going to be like in Paris and Lille.”
Team USA are now 4-0 in their exhibition games before the Paris Olympics. Their last warm up will be on Monday against Germany.
South Sudan and Team USA will face off once more after the Olympics begin, in Team USA’s second game in the tournament.
Team USA’s first official Olympic match will be against Nikola Jokic and Serbia on July 28th.
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