The anticipation is palpable as the United States men's basketball team gears up to face South Sudan in their second group-stage game scheduled for Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET. Both teams are coming off victorious openers, with Team USA notching a win against Serbia and South Sudan triumphing over Puerto Rico.
Crucial Game on the Horizon
The stakes are high for Wednesday’s game, as the victor will secure a coveted spot in the quarterfinals. The Olympic format features 12 teams divided into three groups of four, with each group playing a round-robin schedule. Teams earn two points for a win and one for a loss, with tiebreakers determined by head-to-head results. The top two teams from each group, along with the top two third-place teams, advance to the single-elimination knockout tournament.
Heading into the game, South Sudan’s previous encounter with the U.S. team is a testament to their potential. In a recent exhibition match, LeBron James clinched a 101-100 victory for Team USA with a last-second shot. Reflecting on that game, U.S. coach Steve Kerr admitted, "They came within one shot of beating us." The razor-thin margin serves as a reminder of the formidable challenge South Sudan poses.
South Sudan’s Rising Stars
South Sudan’s roster includes notable talents such as Wenyen Gabriel, JT Thor, Marial Shayok, and Carlik Jones. Khaman Maluach, a 7-foot-2 freshman at Duke and a projected lottery pick in the 2025 NBA draft, also adds to their impressive lineup. In the exhibition game against the U.S., Jones posted a rare triple-double, showcasing his skill and versatility.
Jones continued his stellar performance in South Sudan’s win over Puerto Rico, scoring 19 points, dishing out six assists, and grabbing seven rebounds. Marial Shayok added to the upset potential by scoring 24 points, including six three-pointers, against the U.S. in their exhibition match.
Team USA’s Strategy and Lineup
Kerr’s starting lineup against Serbia featured an impressive array of talent: Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Jrue Holiday, Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, and Joel Embiid. Durant led the charge with 23 points, while Curry, known for his prowess from beyond the arc, scored six points on a pair of three-pointers. However, Curry has shot only 12 for 31, including 7 for 23 from three-point range, in the last three games, prompting questions about his form heading into the next matchup.
Interestingly, Kerr chose not to play Jayson Tatum in the opener against Serbia. Reflecting on that decision, Kerr confessed, "I felt like an idiot for not playing Tatum a single second in the opener." This decision will undoubtedly influence Kerr’s strategy against South Sudan, given Tatum’s ability to bolster the team’s offensive firepower.
Regarding their upcoming opponents, Curry provided insights into South Sudan's playing style, 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." These comments underscore the need for Team USA to adapt swiftly to South Sudan’s dynamic and fast-paced approach.
Preparation and Mindset
Team USA’s earlier exhibition match against South Sudan has served as a valuable learning experience. Kerr acknowledged, "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." The insight gained from that narrow victory is expected to inform the U.S. team’s defensive strategies and overall game plan.
As the clock ticks down to tip-off, there is a clear understanding within the U.S. camp of the formidable challenge that lies ahead. "We have appropriate fear. We know we can't just sleepwalk through any game and feel like you're going to win," Curry emphasized. His words encapsulate the respect and caution with which Team USA approaches this crucial fixture.
With a blend of seasoned superstars and young talents, both teams are primed for a grueling encounter. As they clash on Wednesday, fans worldwide will be watching to see which squad will advance to the quarterfinals, keeping their Olympic dreams alive.