South Sudan came within seconds of defeating Team USA on Saturday, failing to finish off one of the greatest upsets in the history of international basketball.
South. Sudan.
Team USA narrowly avoided the upset, as LeBron James put the Red, White and Blue ahead with just eight seconds on the clock by taking it all the way to the hole on the final offensive possession.
South Sudan, which has been an independent country for just 13 years, led for nearly half the game and at one point held a 16-point advantage. JT Thor, who is currently signed to the Charlotte Hornets, was almost the hero, though, hitting an off-balance three over James to take the lead in the final minute. South Sudan went to
Celtics guards Jrue Holiday and Derrick White combined to help make the final stop, with White getting a block on what would have been the game-losing putback.
Holiday finished with eight points, four rebounds and one block — getting the start. White added five assists off the bench, while Jayson Tatum scored nine points in limited action.
Team USA will face Germany in another exhibition game Monday.
