Team USA vs. South Sudan: A Clash of Titans
Two days following a shockingly close exhibition that saw South Sudan nearly pull off one of the biggest upsets in recent memory, Team USA will be facing off against them again in the Group C match on Wednesday afternoon.
In their first exhibition game, the United States narrowly avoided defeat with a go-ahead layup by LeBron James with only eight seconds remaining. The team found themselves down by as many as 16 points before rallying to avoid a shocking defeat.
Despite the narrow escape in the exhibition, South Sudan managed to upset Puerto Rico in their Olympic debut this weekend with a strong second half performance in which they outscored Puerto Rico 42-25 over the final two quarters.
While the United States is the heavy favorite in this rematch, with a 28.5-point spread in their favor, South Sudan has proven that they are a force to be reckoned with. The team has three players with NBA experience and a 7'2" incoming freshman at Duke who is projected as a lottery pick for the 2025 draft class.
South Sudan's playing style is in stark contrast to that of Serbia, Team USA's first Olympic opponent, who played a slower, more physical game centered around three-time MVP center Nikola Jokic. South Sudan prefers a fast-paced, drive-and-kick style with five three-point shooters on the floor.
Carlik Jones, who was named 2022-23 G League Player of the Year while playing for the Chicago Bulls' affiliate, posted a triple-double against the Americans in the exhibition game before adding 19 points, six assists, and seven rebounds in the opening win over Puerto Rico.
Marial Shayok, who had a brief stint with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2020, scored 24 points and hit six three-pointers against the Americans in the exhibition matchup.
Team USA's Quest for Gold
Team USA is on a mission to bring home a gold medal. With a star-studded roster that includes Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Anthony Edwards, and Jayson Tatum, they will be a formidable opponent for any team they face.
How to Watch the Game
The Team USA vs. South Sudan game will be aired on USA Network at 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday, July 31st. You can also stream the game on Peacock and the other platforms mentioned below:
- Peacock Premium: $8/month or $80/year
- Sling TV Orange + Blue: $60/month
- Fubo Pro: $80/month
- Hulu + Live TV: $77/month
How to Support Team USA
You can show your support for Team USA by purchasing official merchandise from Fanatics, the official retailer of the team. They offer a wide range of items, including jerseys, shirts, jackets, and more.
Schedule and Results
The group stage of men's basketball at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games is scheduled for Saturday, July 27 and will conclude on Sunday, August 4. The first Team USA game will be played on Sunday, July 28, 2024.
The knockout phase begins on Tuesday, August 6. The gold medal game for men is scheduled to be played on Saturday, August 10.
Team USA's men's basketball games will air on NBC, USA Network, and the E! Channel, and all Olympic events will stream on Peacock.
Conclusion
The Team USA vs. South Sudan rematch promises to be an exciting and unpredictable matchup. With both teams hungry for a win, anything can happen. Tune in on Wednesday, July 31st at 3 p.m. ET to witness this thrilling encounter.
