Team USA Showcases Dominance, Defeats South Sudan 103-86
The United States Olympic men’s basketball team left no room for an upset in their rematch against South Sudan, winning 103-86 in Group C play at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Bam Adebayo led the U.S. with 18 points, scoring 14 before halftime. This early performance helped build a lead South Sudan couldn’t overcome. Other top performers included Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker, and Derrick White, all finishing in double digits.
In a previous showcase, Team USA narrowly defeated South Sudan with a thrilling third-quarter comeback, led by James’ 23 points. In their group play opener, Team USA secured a 110-84 victory over Serbia, fueled by Durant’s efficient 23 points and James’ 21 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists. South Sudan had won their first game 90-79 against Puerto Rico, with Carlik Jones leading the way.
This victory virtually guarantees Team USA a spot in the knockout stage of the Olympic tournament. South Sudan must now win their final group game against Serbia to advance.
Next, Team USA faces Puerto Rico on Saturday, Aug. 3, with a game scheduled for 11:15 p.m. ET, airing on NBC and Peacock. The quarterfinals will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 6, with opponents yet to be determined.
Team USA performed impressively against South Sudan, shooting 53% from the field. Besides Adebayo’s standout performance, Durant scored 14 points, Edwards added 13, James had 12, and both Booker and White scored 10. Joel Embiid did not play, while Jayson Tatum contributed four points after missing the first game.
Despite South Sudan’s efforts, including strong play from leading rebounder Wenyen Gabriel, Team USA maintained their lead, supported by key plays from Anthony Davis and Kevin Durant. Derrick White also made significant contributions, including a crucial third-quarter performance that helped extend the U.S. lead.
South Sudan put up a fight, with notable plays from Bul Kuol and Nuni Omit, but it wasn’t enough to challenge Team USA’s dominance. Anthony Davis, who briefly left the game due to an ankle issue, returned to make valuable plays.
Heading into halftime, the U.S. led 55-36. Bam Adebayo led scoring with 14 points from the bench. Despite some challenges, Team USA maintained control throughout, leading 26-14 after the first quarter and extending their advantage as the game progressed.
South Sudan’s inspirational story, highlighted by players like Peter Jok, has captured international attention. Jok’s personal journey from war-torn Sudan to the Olympics is emblematic of his team’s perseverance.
The U.S. maintains top position in Group C, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the Olympic tournament. The team’s schedule includes their final group stage match against Puerto Rico, with knockout rounds to follow.
Broadcasting of the Olympics continues across various networks and streaming services, providing extensive coverage of all events.