As the United States men's basketball team gears up to face South Sudan for their second group-stage game, the pressure is palpable. Scheduled to tip off at 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday, this matchup holds more than just the promise of a thrilling contest—it has quarterfinal implications. Both teams secured wins in their openers, with Team USA defeating Serbia and South Sudan triumphing over Puerto Rico. The stakes are clear: the victor secures a spot in the quarterfinals.
In the Olympic format, the 12 participating teams are divided into three groups of four, each contending in a round-robin schedule. Teams earn two points per win and one per loss during the group stage. Tiebreakers rely on head-to-head results, and the top two teams from each group, along with the top two third-place teams, proceed to the quarterfinals, transitioning into a single-elimination knockout tournament. Total score differentials can break ties for wild card spots between teams from opposing groups.
The South Sudan Challenge
For Team USA, South Sudan is not an unfamiliar opponent. In a recent exhibition game, LeBron James sank a last-second shot to clinch a narrow 101-100 victory over South Sudan. Steve Kerr expressed his wariness about facing them again, stating, "They came within one shot of beating us." Given their explosive potential, it's clear why he would rather not leave anything to chance this time around.
South Sudan boasts a formidable roster, including Wenyen Gabriel, JT Thor, Marial Shayok, and Carlik Jones. Khaman Maluach, a 7-foot-2 freshman at Duke and projected lottery pick in the 2025 NBA draft, also adds significant firepower. Carlik Jones, in particular, has been a standout performer, notching a triple-double against the Americans in the exhibition game and scoring 19 points with six assists and seven rebounds against Puerto Rico.
Marial Shayok also shone in the exhibition game, scoring 24 points, including six three-pointers. Wenyen Gabriel added to the danger with three three-pointers. This high-octane offense, capable of spreading the floor and efficient from beyond the arc, poses unique challenges for Team USA.
Team USA's Strategy and Key Players
The United States' starting lineup against Serbia featured basketball luminaries such as Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Jrue Holiday, Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, and Joel Embiid. Durant led the charge with 23 points, while Curry, despite shooting inconsistently over the last three games, hit six points from a pair of three-pointers. Notably, Jayson Tatum didn't see any court time during the opener against Serbia, a decision Kerr expressed regret over, stating, "I felt like an idiot for not playing Tatum a single second in the opener."
Stephen Curry emphasized the need for performance against South Sudan, stating, "We have appropriate fear. We know we can't just sleepwalk through any game and feel like you're going to win." He added, "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."
Anticipation and Readiness
With the stakes this high, a comprehensive game plan is pivotal. Recognizing the threats that South Sudan poses, Steve Kerr noted, "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 awareness and preparation may tip the balance in what promises to be a closely contested game.
As the clock ticks down to the 3 p.m. tip-off, both teams know that every shot, every pass, and every defensive stand will bring them one step closer or further away from the quarterfinals. For Team USA, this game isn't just about strategy or talent—it's about coming together, staying alert, and delivering under pressure. The fans are ready, the teams are prepared, and the stage is set for a riveting encounter.