USA vs South Sudan Team USA men’s basketball faced unexpected challenges in their Saturday showcase against South Sudan, leading to a dramatic comeback in their final warm-up before the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
USA vs South Sudan
Initially trailing by as much as 16 points, Team USA rallied with a strong third quarter to secure a narrow 101-100 victory over South Sudan, whose roster included just one current NBA player.
LeBron James emerged as the top scorer for Team USA, contributing 23 points and igniting the comeback with impactful plays, including emphatic dunks. Anthony Davis provided valuable support off the bench with a double-double performance, scoring 15 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
USA vs South Sudan
Despite the loss, South Sudan’s Carlik Jones showcased his skills with a triple-double, tallying 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. Marial Shayok, a former Philadelphia 76ers draft pick, led all scorers with 25 points, shooting 6-for-12 from beyond the arc.
The game proved to be a tougher challenge than anticipated for Team USA, especially after their relatively smooth pre-Olympic showcase. Earlier victories included an 86-72 win over Canada, a 98-92 triumph against Australia, and a commanding 105-79 victory over Serbia, featuring NBA star Nikola Jokić.
