As the United States men's basketball team gears up for their second group-stage match against South Sudan on Wednesday, anticipation is running high. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET, and the stakes are substantial. Both teams emerged victorious in their openers, with Team USA defeating Serbia and South Sudan overcoming Puerto Rico. The winner of this clash will secure a coveted spot in the quarterfinals, adding a significant layer of intensity to the encounter.
In their opener, the United States demonstrated their depth and talent. Featuring a star-studded lineup that included Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Jrue Holiday, Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, and Joel Embiid, Team USA managed to edge out Serbia. LeBron’s leadership and Kevin Durant’s scoring ability were on full display, with Durant putting up 23 points. Stephen Curry also contributed key three-pointers, although his recent shooting slump, going 12 for 31 and 7 for 23 from beyond the arc in the last three games, remains a concern.
For South Sudan, the game against Team USA is an opportunity to measure their progress on the international stage. Despite their nascent presence in competitive basketball, South Sudan boasts a roster rich in talent. Names like Wenyen Gabriel, JT Thor, Marial Shayok, and Carlik Jones stand out. During an exhibition match against the United States, LeBron James's last-second shot secured a narrow 101-100 victory for the Americans, underscoring South Sudan’s ability to compete at the highest level.
“They came within one shot of beating us,” remarked Steve Kerr, the head coach for Team USA, candidly acknowledging the formidable challenge posed by South Sudan. He admitted his regret over not playing Jayson Tatum during the match against Serbia, noting, “I felt like an idiot for not playing Tatum a single second in the opener.” Tatum’s energy and skill could prove pivotal in future games.
South Sudan’s Carlik Jones was particularly impressive during the exhibition game, posting a triple-double against the Americans. He continued his strong form in their win over Puerto Rico, logging 19 points, six assists, and seven rebounds. Marial Shayok was another standout player, with 24 points against the United States, including six three-pointers. Wenyen Gabriel also impressed, making three three-pointers in the same game. Their performances highlight the offensive firepower that South Sudan brings to the court.
While the Olympic format consists of 12 teams divided into three groups of four, each team plays a round-robin schedule to determine who advances. Teams earn two points per win and one per loss, with head-to-head results serving as the primary tiebreaker for teams locked in the standings. The top two teams from each group, along with the top two third-place teams, advance to the quarterfinals, which then transition into a single-elimination knockout tournament.
Looking at Wednesday’s critical game, Steph Curry emphasized the necessary level of respect they hold for South Sudan. “We have appropriate fear. We know we can't just sleepwalk through any game and feel like you're going to win,” Curry noted, adding that South Sudan's "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."
Coach Kerr also praised South Sudan's capabilities, stating, “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.” This game may very well turn on the nuances of defensive strategy and the ability of Team USA to adapt to South Sudan’s dynamic play style.
Another element to watch is Khaman Maluach, a 7-foot-2 freshman at Duke University and a projected lottery pick in the 2025 NBA draft. His presence on the court adds another layer of challenge for Team USA, which will need to find ways to neutralize his impact while maintaining their own offensive momentum.
As they prepare for the game, Team USA’s focus will be on leveraging their experience and depth to counter South Sudan’s high energy and outside shooting. The stage is set for what promises to be an electrifying contest, one that could shape the trajectory of both teams' runs in the tournament. Victory will mean a direct path to the quarterfinals, an important milestone in the quest for Olympic glory.