USA Men's Basketball Prepares for Crucial Group-Stage Clash Against South Sudan
As the United States men's basketball team gears up for their second group-stage game on Wednesday, they are well aware of the high stakes at play. Facing off against South Sudan at 3 p.m. ET, the winner will secure a coveted spot in the quarterfinals. Team USA, brimming with talent, comes off a victory in their opener against Serbia, while South Sudan celebrated a triumph over Puerto Rico.
In an Olympic format that includes 12 teams divided into three groups of four, every match is crucial. Teams earn two points per win and a single point for a loss during the group stage. Success in these early games is pivotal, as the top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-place teams, advance to a single-elimination knockout tournament in the quarterfinals.
The clash against South Sudan promises to be a thrilling encounter, heightened by a recent exhibition game where LeBron James clinched a nail-biting 101-100 victory with a last-second shot. Reflecting on the exhibition, USA head coach Steve Kerr remarked, "They came within one shot of beating us."
South Sudan's roster features a mix of seasoned players and rising stars, including Wenyen Gabriel, JT Thor, Marial Shayok, and Carlik Jones. Khaman Maluach, a 7-foot-2 freshman at Duke and projected lottery pick in the 2025 NBA draft, adds further depth and skill to their lineup. Carlik Jones, in particular, has been a standout performer, posting a triple-double against the Americans in that exhibition game.
In their win over Puerto Rico, Jones again showcased his all-around talent with 19 points, six assists, and seven rebounds. Marial Shayok was equally impressive, scoring 24 points against the USA in the exhibition, including six three-pointers, while Gabriel contributed three three-pointers of his own.
For Team USA, the starting lineup against Serbia featured an array of basketball royalty, including Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Jrue Holiday, Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, and Joel Embiid. Durant led the charge with 23 points, highlighting his scoring prowess. Meanwhile, Curry's recent shooting stats have been a mixed bag; over the last three games, he has shot 12 for 31 overall and 7 for 23 from beyond the arc, scoring six points from a pair of three-pointers against Serbia.
Although Kerr opted not to play Jayson Tatum in the opener against Serbia, a decision he later reflected upon with regret, saying, "I felt like an idiot for not playing Tatum a single second in the opener." He acknowledged the importance of their previous encounter with South Sudan, adding, "I'm really glad that we played them so we can feel their speed and their 3-point shooting ability and feel how good they are."
Stephen Curry also emphasized the need for vigilance, stating, "We have appropriate fear. We know we can't just sleepwalk through any game and feel like you're going to win." He stressed the distinct challenge that South Sudan presents compared to Serbia, noting, "They're a very high-octane offense, spread the floor, shoot a lot of 3s and have athleticism. So you just got to be mindful of how to guard them. It's totally different than Serbia."
As the United States prepares for this crucial matchup, they are mindful of both their offensive strengths and the need to contain South Sudan's dynamic play. The result of Wednesday's game will significantly influence their path forward in the tournament, as both teams vie for a quarterfinal berth and a shot at Olympic glory.