The USA kept their clean slate against South Sudan in London and secured their fourth win in their fourth pre-season game. In a 101-100 win, the USA struggled for almost the entire game, with LeBron James scoring the decisive points in the end
The USA’s top scorer was LeBron James with 23 points (9/13 FG), 6 rebounds and 6 assists, while Joel Embiid (14, 5/6 FG, 7 rebounds) had his best game in a USA jersey. Anthony Davis (15, 11 boards) recorded a double-double. It was also James who put the USA back in front with a powerful drive 8 seconds before the end. On the South Sudan side, point guard Carlik Jones (15, 7/21 FG, 11 rebounds, 11 assists) and Marial Shayok (25, 9/16 FG, 6/12 3P) set the tone.
At first, it looked like business as usual. The USA scored easy points on the fast break, LeBron unleashed his signature dunk and it was soon 12:2 in London. After that, however, the engine faltered, there were turnovers, a host of missed threes (1/12 3P at the break) and the South Sudanese went on a rampage.
By contrast, the Africans shot 61 percent from the field in the first half, repeatedly sent double teams and posed problems for the US stars with their athleticism. The “guests” led by 15 points at one stage and Head Coach Royal Ivey’s team was also 58:44 ahead at the break
LeBron James scores the game-winner against South Sudan
USA coach Steve Kerr reacted and started the second half with the reserves, who had also disappointed earlier. The USA showed improvement, with Davis in particular working hard at the basket, but South Sudan usually had an answer. But then the starters came back and suddenly it clicked. In the final three minutes of the period, the USA scored 16 points in a row, initiated by a fastbreak dunk with a foul by James and a deep three by Stephen Curry (12, 4/11), meaning that the USA was suddenly 81:76 in front.
However, South Sudan did not let its shoulders drop: A three and a mid-range shot by Shayok cut the deficit to -2 in the final minute and, after Davis was picked off at the basket, J.T. Thor drained a three from the corner to give his side the lead. LeBron replied and the Africans then had two more chances, but failed to put the offensive rebound in the basket from close range.
The USA now have one last test game: on Monday evening, the Kerr squad will face world champions Germany at 9 p.m. at the same venue.
