In a nail-biter of a game, LeBron James led the U.S. Olympic team to a narrow 101-100 victory over South Sudan in London. The Americans had to rally from a 16-point deficit to avoid what would have been a stunning upset by the South Sudanese team, who were 43.5-point underdogs.
James’ clutch layup with 8 seconds left secured the win for the U.S., improving their exhibition tour record to 4-0. Anthony Davis also contributed with 15 points in the close game. South Sudan put up a strong fight, with Marial Shayok scoring 25 points and Carlik Jones recording a triple-double.
The U.S. team, consisting of All-Stars and NBA champions, was expected to dominate the game, but South Sudan proved to be a formidable opponent. The Americans struggled defensively in the first half, allowing South Sudan to shoot 61% and outscore them from the 3-point range.
However, a crucial 18-0 run led by James in the second half turned the tide in favor of the U.S. Stephen Curry also played a key role by hitting a pivotal 3-pointer to give the Americans their first lead since the first quarter. Despite a late surge from South Sudan, James and his teammates managed to hold on for a narrow victory.
The two teams are set to face each other again in group play at the Paris Olympics on July 31, promising another competitive matchup. The U.S. narrowly escaping with a win highlights the unpredictable nature of international basketball competitions and sets the stage for an exciting showdown in the upcoming Olympic games.
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