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LeBron, USA escape South Sudan in London

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.

The post LeBron, USA escape South Sudan in London appeared first on Hoopsfix.com.

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