The United States men's basketball team faces a crucial match against South Sudan in their second group-stage game on Wednesday. Scheduled for a 3 p.m. ET tip-off, this game will determine a spot in the quarterfinals for the victorious team.
Team USA comes into the match with momentum, having secured a win in their opener against Serbia. Their opponent, South Sudan, also enters with confidence, following a triumph over Puerto Rico. This sets the stage for what promises to be a thrilling encounter, as both teams vie for one of the top two spots in their group or, at the very least, one of the top two third-place spots that would earn them a place in the knockout stages.
The Olympic format features 12 teams divided into three groups of four. Each group engages in a round-robin schedule, with teams earning two points per win and one point per loss. Tiebreakers for teams deadlocked in standings are settled by head-to-head results. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-place teams, progress to the quarterfinals, which then transition into a single-elimination knockout tournament. Total score differentials are utilized to break ties for wild card spots between teams from opposing groups.
South Sudan boasts an impressive roster, including Wenyen Gabriel, JT Thor, Marial Shayok, and Carlik Jones. Khaman Maluach, a 7-foot-2 freshman at Duke and a projected lottery pick in the 2025 NBA draft, adds a towering presence to their squad. Carlik Jones has been particularly noteworthy, having posted a triple-double against the Americans in their recent exhibition game. In South Sudan's win over Puerto Rico, Jones delivered another standout performance with 19 points, six assists, and seven rebounds. Marial Shayok scored 24 points against the United States in the exhibition, showcasing his shooting prowess with six three-pointers.
The recent exhibition game against South Sudan offered valuable insights for Team USA. LeBron James made a last-second shot to clinch a 101-100 victory, underlining the competitiveness of the matchup. Reflecting on the game, Team USA coach Steve Kerr acknowledged, "They came within one shot of beating us." Steph Curry echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for vigilance. "We have appropriate fear,” said Curry. “We know we can't just sleepwalk through any game and feel like you're going to win."
Steph Curry highlighted the distinct challenge posed by South Sudan, noting their offensive style. "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," Curry explained. This strategic awareness will be crucial as Team USA aims to counter South Sudan's dynamic play.
Steve Kerr’s decision-making will be under scrutiny, especially after his self-admitted misstep in not playing Jayson Tatum against Serbia. "I felt like an idiot for not playing Tatum a single second in the opener," Kerr candidly confessed. The exhibition game experience, however, provided invaluable preparation for the team. "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," Kerr added.
Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry, key figures in Team USA’s lineup, have shown both form and areas for improvement. Durant scored 23 points against Serbia, while Curry, despite a few off-target games, managed to contribute six points from beyond the arc against the same opponent. The starting lineup, which included Durant, LeBron James, Jrue Holiday, Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, and Joel Embiid, certainly has the firepower to contend with any team, including the high-octane South Sudan.
As Team USA gears up for their critical group-stage clash, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how they navigate the challenges posed by South Sudan's athletic and aggressive style. With a berth in the quarterfinals at stake, expect an intense and exciting showdown on Wednesday.