Kristian Ferrell
In a surprising turn of events, South Sudan almost beat the US in an Olympic tune-up game in London on July 20, 2024. The US Olympic team, which included NBA giants like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry, narrowly escaped embarrassment, winning the game 101-100. South Sudan, on the other hand, is the world's youngest country, having gained recognition in 2011, and its Olympic team was filled with G League and international league players. Despite the odds, South Sudan put up a strong fight, even leading by as many as 16 points at one stage. The game showcased that, under certain conditions, beating the US is within the realm of possibility.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of the game | July 20, 2024 |
| Venue | O2 Arena, London |
| Final score | 101-100 |
| Winner | United States |
| Losing margin | 1 point |
| Star players (United States) | LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, Anthony Edwards, Anthony Davis |
| Star players (Sudan) | Marial Shayok, Wenyen Gabriel, Bul Kuol, Carlik Jones, JT Thor |
| Head coach (United States) | Steve Kerr |
| Head coach (Sudan) | Royal Ivey |
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What You'll Learn
- South Sudan nearly beat the USA in an Olympic tune-up game
- The US men's basketball team beat South Sudan at the 2024 Paris Olympics
- South Sudan's players spent much of their childhood as refugees
- South Sudan's Marial Shayok was the game's high scorer
- The US Olympic team's win marked their 40th consecutive international win
South Sudan nearly beat the USA in an Olympic tune-up game
This exhibition game was a wake-up call for the US team, who had a 40-game winning streak in international games with LeBron James, the NBA's all-time scoring leader. South Sudan's performance demonstrated that beating the US in a one-game scenario is possible, especially under FIBA rules, which allow for a shorter game, fewer possessions, and more physical play. South Sudan's ability to keep up with the US team was also impressive given that they are a very young country, having gained independence in 2011, and their basketball team is still in its infancy.
The South Sudanese team was well-coached and consisted of G League and other international league players, including some with NBA experience. Their roster included Marial Shayok, who was a game-high scorer with 25 points, and Carlik Jones, who finished with a triple-double. Their head coach, Royal Ivey, is an NBA player, and their team president, Luol Deng, is a former NBA player.
Despite ultimately losing, South Sudan's performance gave them confidence and surprised many at the Olympics. They went on to beat Puerto Rico 90-79 in their first Olympic basketball game, a unifying moment for the young country. The US team, on the other hand, recognized the need to improve their defensive energy and reduce turnovers going forward in the tournament.
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The US men's basketball team beat South Sudan at the 2024 Paris Olympics
The US team, coached by Steve Kerr, displayed better defensive energy in the Olympic game, taking a 55-36 lead at halftime. Devin Booker made a tough layup to extend their lead to 84-68 with under seven minutes to play. The US maintained their strong performance and ultimately secured a comfortable victory.
The game against South Sudan was part of the group stage of the tournament. South Sudan had previously beaten Puerto Rico 90-79 in their first Olympic basketball game. They entered the game against the US as a 43-point underdog but put up a strong fight, even leading by as many as 16 points during the exhibition game.
LeBron James, playing in the same arena as he did during the 2012 London Olympics, was instrumental in the US victory during the exhibition game, scoring the winning basket with eight seconds remaining. This marked the 40th consecutive international win for the Americans with James in uniform. At 39, he is set to become the oldest US men's basketball Olympian ever.
The US men's basketball team's victory over South Sudan at the 2024 Paris Olympics showcased their resilience and ability to adapt, as they bounced back from a close call in the previous meeting.
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South Sudan's players spent much of their childhood as refugees
South Sudan's men's basketball team has been making waves in the international basketball scene, most notably during their impressive run at the 2024 Paris Olympics. While the team fell short of winning a medal, their journey to the Olympics and their performance during the tournament were nothing short of remarkable, especially considering that many of their players spent much of their childhood as refugees.
The story of South Sudan's basketball team is deeply intertwined with the country's history and the experiences of its people. South Sudan gained its independence from Sudan in 2011, following a long and devastating civil war that lasted from 1983 to 2005. The conflict resulted in the displacement of millions of people, with many seeking refuge in neighbouring countries such as Ethiopia and Kenya. Among those who fled were thousands of young boys, known as the "Lost Boys of Sudan," who embarked on treacherous journeys to refugee camps, often travelling by foot with no possessions.
Many of the players on South Sudan's basketball team have personal stories that reflect this broader historical context. For example, Wenyen Gabriel, whose family fled to Egypt when he was only two weeks old, later moved to New Hampshire, a state in the United States that became a home away from home for many of his teammates. Nuni Omot, another member of the team, was born in a Sudanese refugee camp in Kenya before relocating to Minnesota with his family.
The team's success can be attributed in part to the leadership of Luol Deng, a former NBA All-Star who became president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation in 2020. Deng, who himself had fled the country as a child, actively recruited players with similar backgrounds, understanding the potential that basketball could offer to those who had experienced displacement and hardship.
The impact of South Sudan's basketball team extends beyond the sport itself. Their journey serves as a symbol of resilience, unity, and the transformative power of sports. It showcases how basketball can bring people together, foster hope, and provide a pathway for positive change, even in the face of immense challenges. The team's Olympic qualification and strong performance against powerhouse nations like the United States are testaments to the determination and talent that exist within the country, despite the difficulties it faces.
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South Sudan's Marial Shayok was the game's high scorer
South Sudanese basketball player Marial Shayok was the game's high scorer in a close match against the United States in an Olympic tune-up game in 2024. Although Team USA ultimately won the game, Shayok's impressive performance contributed to South Sudan nearly pulling off an upset victory.
Shayok's representation of South Sudan in basketball is significant, as the country is the world's youngest, having gained independence in 2011. Despite South Sudan's inexperience in the international sports arena, Shayok and his teammates demonstrated that they could compete with the best.
In the highly competitive match, the United States narrowly avoided an embarrassing loss, with LeBron James scoring the winning basket with just eight seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. The final score was 101-100 in favour of the United States.
Marial Shayok's outstanding performance in the game cannot be overstated. He scored 25 points, showcasing his talent and determination on the international stage. Shayok's journey to representing South Sudan included stints at UVA and Iowa State, where he put up impressive numbers despite not having the typical NBA size or skillset.
Shayok's contribution to South Sudanese basketball and his performance in the game against the United States serve as a testament to his dedication, talent, and team spirit. His scoring prowess in this particular match-up will be remembered as a pivotal moment in South Sudan's emerging basketball history.
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The US Olympic team's win marked their 40th consecutive international win
The US men's basketball team's win against South Sudan at the 2024 Paris Olympics marked their 40th consecutive international win. The game ended with a score of 103-86, with the US team showcasing their defensive prowess and high-level teamwork. This win was a significant milestone for the US Olympic team, demonstrating their dominance and skill in the sport.
The US team's victory was not easily achieved, as South Sudan put up a strong fight. In their previous exhibition game, South Sudan nearly beat the US, with the game ending in a close score of 101-100. Led by LeBron James, the US team secured their win with a last-second layup, preventing an embarrassing loss. James' experience playing in the same arena during the 2012 London Olympics may have contributed to his clutch performance.
South Sudan's performance in the exhibition game served as a wake-up call for the US team. Despite having a team full of All-Stars, the US struggled with turnovers and shooting accuracy. South Sudan, on the other hand, demonstrated impressive shooting percentages and a well-coached, athletic team. Their performance showed that beating the US in a one-game scenario was possible, providing a blueprint for other nations to follow.
The US Olympic team's 40th consecutive international win is a testament to their skill, determination, and consistency. However, the close call with South Sudan highlighted areas for improvement and strategies that other teams could exploit. As the tournament progressed, the US team remained a favourite to win their fifth consecutive gold medal in Paris.
The US men's basketball team's win against South Sudan was more than just a game; it was a display of perseverance, resilience, and the ability to rise to the challenge. The US team's 40th consecutive international win set the tone for their campaign in the 2024 Paris Olympics, as they aimed to continue their winning streak and bring home the gold once again. The narrow victory also served as a reminder that anything can happen in sports, and every team and nation has a chance to shine on the world stage.
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Frequently asked questions
No. South Sudan nearly beat the USA in an Olympic tune-up game, but the USA won 101-100.
Saturday, July 20, 2024.
Marial Shayok, who played for UVA and Iowa State, and Wenyen Gabriel, who plays in Australia's top league.
LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Joel Embiid, Anthony Edwards, and Anthony Davis.
