LeBron James ignites Team USA comeback win versus South Sudan

Team USA trailed by as many as 15, but LeBron James went to work in the second half to secure the victory.

Team USA trailed for most of the game against South Sudan, but thanks to an incredible LeBron James performance in the second half, which included a game-winning layup, they won 101-100.

LeBron was far and away the best player on the floor and ended the night with 25 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Anthony Davis was productive as well with the backup unit. He ended the game with 15 points and 11 rebounds.

Team USA head coach Steve Kerr continues to tweak the starting lineup and went with Steph Curry, Devin Booker, Jrue Holiday, Joel Embiid and James for Saturday’s contest.

There was no slow start for Team USA in this game, as they got out to a quick 10-2 run, with James scoring six of those points, including a powerful dunk that forced South Sudan to call for a timeout.

South Sudan settled down thanks to former Laker Wenyen Gabriel hitting a pair of 3-pointers. Anthony Davis was part of the first set of subs for Team USA at the 4:13 mark, but South Sudan weathered the storm throughout the opening quarter and led 26-24 after one.

The second quarter began with Team USA struggling offensively. They scored only four points and South Sudan’s lead grew to as many as 15.

The run from Team USA never came as they collectively struggled from deep, going 1-12 from 3-point range in the first half. James had a dozen points at the break, but South Sudan led by 14.

Down by double digits, Team USA made adjustments to start the third by putting in the second unit instead of the starters to begin play.

The bench mob responded by locking up South Sudan defensively. With Davis scoring inside and distributing the ball well from the top of the key, Team USA was back within six points with 6:15 left in the quarter.

At the 4:39 mark, the starters were back on the floor for Team USA and LeBron went to work. He hit a 3-point shot, drove to the paint relentlessly and had another powerful dunk, which he finished with authority, glaring at the crowd.

Thanks to James’ energy, Team USA charged on and outscored South Sudan 37-18 in the third quarter to gain control of the game.

In the final frame, Team USA again went with their backups to start the quarter. To South Sudan’s credit, they never went away and stayed within a couple of possessions from Team USA for most of the fourth.

With 90 seconds left in the contest, Team USA's lead was cut to four points after a 3-pointer by South Sudan’s Marial Shayok. Another Hayok runner made it a two-point game and suddenly, it was nervous time for America.

Davis missed a lob dunk and then JT Thor of South Sudan hit a corner 3-pointer to give them a one-point lead with 20 seconds left.

With the game on the line, Team USA went with LeBron and he delivered, driving to the basket and converting to give them the lead once again and for good.

South Sudan had one more possession but failed to convert on a jumper and had a few more chances near the rim before Davis eventually came up with a rebound that ended the game.

Key Takeaways

This game wasn’t a loss, but it was certainly a lesson. The world may not have caught up, but it’s good enough that Team USA must bring their full attention and energy for every contest. South Sudan was much sharper at the start and it took Team USA three quarters to match that quality.

If that happens in Paris, Team USA will have a humiliating defeat and will likely not bring home the gold.

The good news is that Team USA has the world’s best players, so if they can keep their focus and execution up, they will still be favored to win it all.

Team USA will play Germany next Monday at 12 p.m. PT on FOX as their final exhibition game before the Olympics begin.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.