South Sudan Challenges U.S. Basketball Team In Olympic Warmup

United States' head coach Steve Kerr gestures to his players during an exhibition basketball game between the United States and South Sudan, at the o2 Arena in London, Saturday, July 20, 2024. (AP Pho

South Sudan, ranked 33rd in the FIBA world rankings, came close to defeating the top-ranked U.S. men's basketball team in a pre-Olympic matchup in London. Despite facing challenges such as traffic delays and a strong performance from South Sudan's 3-point shooting, the U.S. narrowly secured a 101-100 victory.

The game served as a wake-up call for the U.S. Olympic team, highlighting the competitive nature of the upcoming tournament. U.S. coach Steve Kerr emphasized the lack of guarantees in modern international basketball, citing the team's previous losses and close matches en route to winning gold in Tokyo.

Reflecting on the dominant 1992 Dream Team, Kerr noted the shift in competition dynamics, with current teams posing significant challenges. The U.S. team, comprising NBA stars, acknowledged the need to adapt quickly to the international game's nuances.

U.S. coach Steve Kerr emphasizes lack of guarantees in international basketball.

South Sudan almost defeats U.S. team in close game.

Modern international basketball poses challenges for U.S. Olympic team.

Despite being heavy favorites, the U.S. faced stiff competition from South Sudan, a nation making its Olympic debut with limited resources for elite basketball training. The Americans recognized the importance of maximizing their limited preparation time to compete effectively.

Looking ahead to their final warmup game against Germany, the U.S. team remains focused on refining their strategies and teamwork. The unpredictability of recent exhibition games worldwide suggests a wide-open field for the upcoming Olympic tournament.

The competitive landscape was evident as South Sudan, after losses to Argentina and a narrow win over Britain, challenged the U.S. team. The Americans, led by stars like Stephen Curry and LeBron James, emphasized the need for disciplined play and defensive intensity to avoid upsets.

The game also showcased the fearlessness of young talents like Khaman Maluach, who impressed against NBA stars despite his age and limited experience. The U.S. team's ability to rally and find their competitive edge in critical moments underscored the challenges they face in defending their gold medal.

As the Paris Olympics approach, the U.S. men's basketball team remains aware of the evolving global competition and the need to elevate their performance to secure success in the highly competitive tournament.

For more updates on the Summer Olympics, visit AP Summer Olympics.