Team USA Men's Hoops Avenges Near Loss to South Sudan with Convincing Victory
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Remember just ten days ago when the United States men’s basketball team faced South Sudan in an exhibition game? South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, delivered a stunning performance, pushing Team USA to the brink before LeBron James secured a narrow 101-100 victory. It left many questioning the trajectory of both teams.
Fast forward to the Olympics, and the narrative has shifted dramatically. The Americans have seemingly found their stride, showcasing a significant improvement in their rematch against South Sudan on Wednesday. Utilizing a commanding 30-9 run in the first half, Team USA cruised to a 103-86 victory, avenging their previous close call with a convincing display of basketball prowess.
Bam Adebayo led the charge with 18 points on an efficient 8-of-10 shooting, often finding himself on the receiving end of easy dunks as South Sudan struggled to contain the American offense. Kevin Durant contributed 14 points, while LeBron James added 12. Notably, every player on the roster scored except for Joel Embiid, who rested for the night. Steph Curry, despite a slow start (0-for-7 from the field), eventually found his rhythm, underscoring the team's depth and resilience.
This game was a masterclass in teamwork, with the U.S. recording 29 assists on 37 baskets. The victory propels Team USA to a 2-0 record in Group play, setting the stage for their next match against Puerto Rico on Saturday at 11:15 a.m. ET, before advancing to the knockout rounds.
The performance against South Sudan was not just about winning; it was about how the Americans played. Defensively, they were inspired, and their passion for passing overwhelmed their opponents. The U.S. led 55-36 at halftime, with assists on 17 of their 19 field goals. They finished the game shooting 53 percent overall and 43 percent from beyond the arc, with eleven different players scoring.
South Sudan, under the guidance of former NBA star Luol Deng, continued to fight hard but found themselves unable to sustain any significant runs in the fourth quarter, as key plays from Durant, Booker, and Davis repeatedly thwarted their efforts.
As Team USA eyes a fifth consecutive gold medal, they must remain vigilant against formidable opponents like Canada, France, and Germany. However, if they continue to play with the cohesion and intensity displayed against South Sudan, they stand as strong contenders for the top prize.