It started with two huge LeBron James dunks and an easy 10-2 lead.
Then it almost fell apart for Team USA against little-known South Sudan in London.
What is supposed to be the best basketball team in the world was outscored 21-8 early in the first quarter on Saturday night inside a packed 02, couldn’t keep up with South Sudan’s attacking, and seriously struggled in the first half.
Steph Curry, Anthony Edwards, Joel Embiid and James were barely enough for Team USA during an exhibition game with the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris just days away.
“They (Team USA) were sleepwalking in the first half,” South Sudan head coach Royal Ivey said.
Ivey believed there was “contact” on a final shot for his team that fell short and handed the United States a tense 101-100 win in the final seconds.
