2024-07-21 21:07:55
The USA national team had a double-digit deficit against the South Sudan basketball players (44:58) after two quarters, which surprised many, as the USA basketball players were considered the obvious favorites of the match.
The USA finally tied the game at the end of the third period, but the winner of the match was not clear until the end of the game.
With 20 seconds left, the South Sudan basketball players were in the lead (99:100), but 39-year-old L. James took everything into his own hands, who hit the winning shot (101:100).
In total, the “King” scored 25 points (8/11 doubles, 2/3 triples, 3/4 penalties), handed out 7 assists, 6 rebounds and accumulated 31 utility points in 23 minutes on the floor.
After reviewing the match, S. Kerr praised L. James, but at the same time blamed himself for such a match.
“I didn’t do a good job preparing my team for this game,” Kerr said. – I think we were not focused enough on what the South Sudan national team is capable of. I think that allowed them to gain confidence early on. Then, when we sat down in the second part of the match, the South Sudanese basketball players already felt good and believed in victory.”
“LeBron has an incredible spirit and confidence in crucial moments of the game. I think the team felt embarrassed during the long break when they completely outplayed us and we fell behind by 14 points. I think LeBron wasn’t happy that I didn’t include him in the starting five (smiles – ed.),” added the USA captain.
The USA and South Sudan national teams will also meet in the Olympic Games, and along with the USA, the national teams of Puerto Rico and Serbia will also compete in the group.
The specialist said that such a match could serve for the future.
“The end of the match was good for us just because we got a taste of what will be waiting for us in Paris and Lille. It’s a good reminder for us that when our opponents play against us, it’s the most important match of their lives,” said S. Kerr.
“It was the first game when we doubted that we could win. We trailed by a point with 20 seconds left. We know that teams will try to challenge us and I think the team reacted well,” added the USA specialist.
Full press conference:
2024-07-21 21:07:55