Team USA put together one of the best Olympic teams in history, but could only beat South Sudan 101-100 on Saturday night.
South Sudan is very competitive, but one of its players Wenyen Gabriel admitted, “We don't have basketball courts inside our country. …We are a group of refugees who come together for a few weeks a year”. (via Cesare Milanti)
With eight seconds left to play, LeBron went for a layup that ultimately saved the USA from a historic upset.
Despite the close loss, LeBron was happy after the game and was successful in keeping South Sudan close.
“I like those better than fireworks,” James said as he walked into the tunnel after the game. “At least we are tested. I love being tested, baby.”
LeBron led Team USA with 25 points.
After the team's victory, the USA coach, Steve Kerr, admitted that he could have done more to prepare his team for this game, but he gave flowers to South Sudan.
“I didn't do a good job preparing our team,” Kerr said. “We didn't focus enough on what they can do, that's on me. I think that really allowed South Sudan to gain confidence early on.
“They were good. They played a great game and the end was good for us, just to feel that, to feel what it will be like in Paris and Lille.”
Team USA is now 4-0 in their exhibition games before the Paris Olympics. Their final warm-up will be on Monday against Germany.
South Sudan and Team USA will meet again after the start of the Olympics, in the second match of Team USA in this tournament.
Team USA's first official Olympic game will be against Nikola Jokic and Serbia on July 28.
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