LeBron James drove Team USA to a 101-100 victory over South Sudan with a game-winning layup in the final 10 seconds, at The O2 Arena in London, on Saturday night.
USA are overwhelming favourites to add a fifth consecutive gold medal at the Paris 2024 Games, but found themselves as many as 16 points down against South Sudan – with the two teams meeting again during the Paris Games that begin next week.
It needed an inspired LeBron performance in the second half as well as a hot streak from Steph Curry to turn the game around – with the duo igniting an often subdued sold-out crowd with a third quarter takeover.
A tough finish from Anthony Davis seemingly put the game to bed with USA up 99-92 inside the final three minutes, but South Sudan reeled off eight straight points to take a shock lead with 20 seconds left on the clock.
It was left to LeBron to save his side, taking his tally to a game-high 25 points with a trademark strong drive to the basket, before USA held firm on the defensive end to survive a frantic finale.
Carlik Jones finished with a triple-double of 15 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in helping his team completely outplay their opponents in the first half – where they had established a 58-44 advantage.
Not quite a historic upset, but another notch on the rise of South Sudan – who also defeated GB by three points at the Copper Box on Thursday – and the Bright Stars can look forward to making their debut at an Olympics.
USA complete the London Showcase with a clash with the reigning World champions Germany on Monday night, while USA Women take on their German counterparts on Tuesday.
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