The United States men's basketball team is gearing up for a crucial face-off against South Sudan in their second group-stage game on Wednesday, with tip-off scheduled for 3 p.m. ET. Both teams enter this matchup with momentum, having each secured wins in their opening games. Team USA triumphed over Serbia, while South Sudan emerged victorious against Puerto Rico. The stakes are high; the victor will secure a coveted spot in the tournament’s quarterfinals.
The Olympic format divides 12 teams into three groups of four, with each group participating in a round-robin schedule. Teams earn two points per win and one per loss during the group stage, with tiebreakers decided by head-to-head results. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-place teams, advance to the quarterfinals, transitioning into a single-elimination knockout tournament. Total score differentials are used to break ties for wild card spots between teams from different groups.
Team USA recently had an exhibition game against South Sudan, where LeBron James sank a last-second shot to clinch a 101-100 victory. This close encounter has left the American side wary of their opponents. “They came within one shot of beating us,” head coach Steve Kerr remarked. “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.”
A Formidable Challenge
South Sudan boasts a lineup rich with talent, including Wenyen Gabriel, JT Thor, Marial Shayok, and Carlik Jones. Among these, Khaman Maluach, a 7-foot-2 freshman at Duke and projected lottery pick for the 2025 NBA draft, stands out. Carlik Jones is coming off a stellar performance, having posted a triple-double against the United States in their exhibition game. In the win over Puerto Rico, Jones continued his impressive play with 19 points, six assists, and seven rebounds. Marial Shayok scored 24 points against the United States in the exhibition, including six three-pointers, while Wenyen Gabriel added three three-pointers of his own.
Team USA’s Preparation
For Team USA, the focus will be on maintaining their defensive intensity and capitalizing on their offensive firepower. Their starting lineup against Serbia featured superstars Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Jrue Holiday, Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, and Joel Embiid. Durant delivered a standout performance, scoring 23 points, while Curry, despite a recent shooting slump, managed six points from a pair of three-pointers.
Coach Steve Kerr, reflecting on the choice to bench Jayson Tatum in the opener against Serbia, admitted, “I felt like an idiot for not playing Tatum a single second in the opener.” This decision is likely to be revisited as the tournament progresses, with Kerr keenly aware of Tatum’s potential impact.
Stephen Curry, speaking about the challenge posed by South Sudan, noted, “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.” Combatting South Sudan’s dynamic attack will require a concerted defensive effort and strategic adjustments.
The Americans are not dwelling on their exhibition game victory, recognizing that South Sudan poses a significant threat. “We have appropriate fear. We know we can't just sleepwalk through any game and feel like you're going to win,” Curry emphasized.
The Road Ahead
As both teams prepare for Wednesday’s pivotal matchup, the intensity is palpable. Team USA can’t afford any complacency if they wish to assert their dominance and secure their passage to the quarterfinals. The game promises to be a thrilling contest, with both sides bringing their best to the court in pursuit of Olympic glory. Given the stakes and the talent on display, basketball fans are in for a treat as they watch these world-class athletes compete at the highest level.