The USA Basketball Men’s National Team boasts plenty of offensive talent. But if you listen attentively to what Coach Steve Kerr and his players say after each game, you’ll notice that defense is always mentioned.
That defense was on the minds of Americans in their second game of the 2024 Olympics in Paris on Wednesday. It also helped the squad get to the Olympic quarterfinals.
Holding South Sudan to 42.1% shooting
The top-ranked United States defeated the world’s 33rd-ranked team 103-86 at Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, France. The victory secured the top spot in Group C for the four-time gold medalists, the United States (2-0). The Americans’ pool play concludes Saturday against 16th-ranked Puerto Rico (0-2), which lost to fourth-ranked Serbia 107-66 on Wednesday.
“The defensive effort was the key to the whole thing,” Kerr told reporters. “That’s an explosive team; they hit three-pointers, are quick, and can get past you. Our guys did an excellent job keeping them in front and forcing difficult shots.”
Bam Adebayo scored his first six shots and finished with 18 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks, while Kevin Durant led the United States with 14 points and three steals.
“I think being able to switch 1 through 5 and guard all positions makes me more versatile,” said Adebayo, who also sank a pair of three-pointers. Being able to space the floor and obviously do all the in-between things, like being point-center, just gives us a more diverse team.”
Anthony Edwards had 13 points and three steals, LeBron James had 12 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, Derrick White had 10 points and three steals, and Devin Booker had 10 points and six assists for the Americans, who also had 13 steals.
It was a far cry from the USA Basketball Showcase game on July 20 in London, when the Americans needed a late layup by James to win 101-100 over a team making its Olympic debut. That game undoubtedly opened the United States’ eyes to South Sudan’s potential.
But this time, the United States was prepared for South Sudan, a squad led by former NBA player Luol Deng and coached by Royal Ivey.
Nuni Omot scored 24 points for South Sudan (1-1), which will face Serbia in its last Group C game, needing a win to secure a quarterfinal position. Carlik Jones, the 2023 NBA G League MVP, and scoring champion was less disruptive for South Sudan than in the previous game, where he produced a triple-double of 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. On Wednesday, he was the focal point of the U.S. defense, finishing with 18 points, seven assists, and three rebounds.
James, accustomed to making history as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, achieved two USA Basketball accomplishments.
With 5 minutes and 45 seconds left in the first quarter, the two-time gold champion became the third American Olympic player to achieve 300 points with a dunk off a lob from Los Angeles Lakers teammate Anthony Davis. Durant (472) and Carmelo Anthony (336), three-time gold medalists, are the only players to reach that milestone in American history.
With 8:52 left in the third quarter, James provided his third assist on a Booker jumper, his hundredth cent. James, the U.S. career assists leader, is only the sixth Olympian to achieve the century milestone.
“At the end of the day, I just want to win,” James stated after hitting those targets. “I’m here to win and win the gold.”
Wednesday’s game began in the same way that the previous matchup had. After jumping out to a 12-2 lead in the opening game, only to see South Sudan come back and lead for most of the first three quarters, the United States scored the first six points Wednesday. South Sudan answered by scoring seven more times. However, the United States anticipated the counterpunch and responded quickly and decisively.
Down 10-8, the United States went on a 13-4 run, with Durant hitting 6-for-7 from the foul line. After the first 10 minutes, the Americans led 26-14. The United States then began to pull away, opening the second quarter with a 7-0 run that included a pair of Adebayo dunks, extending its lead to 33-14. The Americans led 55-36 at halftime.
Aside from a brief run in the third quarter when South Sudan cut the U.S. lead to 60-49, the Americans held on and defeated the Bright Stars, who have performed admirably in their first two Olympics.
The United States, unsurprisingly, received contributions from the whole lineup. After missing the previous game, Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton made their Olympic debut in Paris.
“We’ve got 12 guys that can go out and get the job done any night,” James told reporters. “The second lineup came in and accomplished that tonight for us. It all started defensively, but they were also fantastic offensively.”
“I think we need to give these guys more credit,” Kerr told the crowd. “They’re here to win the gold medal. They are professionals who are committed to each other. Each game will be a little different. “We will figure out what we need to do to win.”
In conclusion, Team USA’s triumph over South Sudan in first place in Group C demonstrates their skill and preparation. Their overwhelming performance has placed them well for the knockout stages and solidified their position as a gold medal contender. As the event goes on, Team USA will continue to develop its strengths and aim for continued success in the quest for Olympic glory.
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Read More: USA Men Prepare For Final Group Play Game Against Puerto Rico.
