In a nail-biting exhibition game ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024, Team USA narrowly escaped with a one-point victory against South Sudan. The game, played in London on Monday, July 22, saw intense competition as both teams fought to showcase their skills and strategies before the upcoming prestigious event.

Despite being listed as a 40-plus point favorite by oddsmakers, Team USA faced a formidable challenge from South Sudan, who displayed incredible effort throughout the match. In an outstanding first half, South Sudan managed to keep a tight contest, capitalizing on opportunities and surprising the American team, even taking the lead late in the game.

Powerful plays from LeBron James and key contributions from Anthony Davis and Jayson Tatum helped Team USA regain the lead and regain control of the match. With precise shots and exceptional teamwork, they managed to maintain a slim advantage against a resilient South Sudan side.

Carlik Jones from South Sudan showcased his skills with an impressive triple-double, amassing 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. Jones' performance caught the attention of commentators, who discussed his prospects of returning to the NBA.

The third quarter proved to be a turning point for Team USA. They closed the quarter with a remarkable 16-0 run, showcasing their offensive prowess and turning the tide in their favor. Devin Booker, Steph Curry, and LeBron James played pivotal roles in this momentum swing, taking advantage of turnovers and finding their mark from beyond the arc.

South Sudan refused to back down and continued to challenge Team USA throughout the game. Marial Shayok's exceptional shooting, including five three-pointers, kept the pressure on the American squad. However, the U.S. stepped up their defensive effort and executed crucial stops when it mattered most, securing a seven-point lead and shutting down South Sudan's comeback attempts.

With just seconds remaining, South Sudan had a chance to tie or take the lead but fell short, allowing Team USA to emerge victorious with a final score of 101-100. The game served as a valuable lesson for the American team, highlighting areas that need improvement and signaling the competitive intensity that awaits them in the Paris Olympics 2024.

As Team USA celebrates their hard-fought win, they now turn their focus towards further preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics, aiming to defend their title and showcase their dominance on the international stage.