The United States men's basketball team is gearing up for a high-stakes clash against South Sudan in their second group-stage game on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET. Both teams secured victories in their opening matches, with Team USA triumphing over Serbia and South Sudan toppling Puerto Rico. The upcoming game will determine which team secures a coveted spot in the quarterfinals.
High Stakes and High Expectations
Team USA cruised past Serbia in their opener but not without showcasing their star-studded lineup. Kevin Durant led the charge with 23 points, supported by LeBron James, Jrue Holiday, Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, and Joel Embiid in the starting lineup. However, Stephen Curry, who has shot 12 for 31 in his last three games, including 7 for 23 from beyond the arc, managed only six points against Serbia from a pair of three-pointers. Coach Steve Kerr made the tactical decision to bench Jayson Tatum for the entire game, a move he later regretted. "I felt like an idiot for not playing Tatum a single second in the opener," Kerr admitted.
South Sudan, on the other hand, relies heavily on the dynamic quartet of Wenyen Gabriel, JT Thor, Marial Shayok, and Carlik Jones. During their victory over Puerto Rico, Jones was a standout performer, contributing 19 points, six assists, and seven rebounds. Notably, Jones also posted a triple-double in an exhibition game against the Americans, further testifying to his capabilities. Marial Shayok, who racked up 24 points against the United States in that exhibition, including six three-pointers, is another key player. Wenyen Gabriel, too, has shown a sharp shooting touch, hitting three three-pointers in the same exhibition. Khaman Maluach, a 7-foot-2 freshman at Duke and projected lottery pick in the 2025 NBA draft, adds more depth to South Sudan's talented roster.
A Battle Between Different Styles
South Sudan's offensive prowess has not gone unnoticed. "We have appropriate fear. We know we can't just sleepwalk through any game and feel like you're going to win," said Stephen Curry, reflecting on the need for vigilance against the African nation. He further stressed the contrast in styles between their last opponents and South Sudan, stating, "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."
Steve Kerr echoed Curry’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of their prior matchup against South Sudan for understanding their capabilities. "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 noted. Reflecting on their narrow exhibition victory, "They came within one shot of beating us," he said, cognizant of the threat South Sudan poses.
The Path Ahead
The Olympic format divides 12 teams into three groups of four, each team engaging in a round-robin schedule. Victories earn teams two points while losses earn one. The top two teams from each group, along with the top two third-place teams, advance to the quarterfinals, transitioning into a single-elimination knockout tournament. Tiebreakers are determined by head-to-head results, while total score differentials decide wild card spots between teams from different groups.
The upcoming game is pivotal. A win would not only secure a quarterfinal berth but also bolster team morale heading into the knockout rounds. Team USA will undoubtedly lean on their seasoned NBA stars to navigate this critical juncture. However, the rising international talents of South Sudan will be keen to make a mark.
As the game draws near, both teams are undoubtedly preparing meticulously. For fans and followers of the sport, this matchup promises to be a thrilling spectacle, loaded with talent and tactical intrigue.
Whether it’s the sharpshooting of Stephen Curry or the aggressive drives of Carlik Jones, Wednesday’s game is set to be an electrifying contest with significant stakes.