USA Men Secure Top Spot in Group C with a Win Over South Sudan

31 July 2024

USA 103, South Sudan 86

View the USA-South Sudan box score here.

The Men’s National Team secured the top spot in Group C at the 2024 Paris Games with a 103-86 win over South Sudan. The U.S. faced South Sudan for the first time in a senior national competition setting.

In their 20th Olympics, USA Basketball holds a 140-5 overall record and is 32-1 since 2004. The U.S. have medaled in every Olympics in which they’ve participated.

Starting Out: Coach Steve Kerr went to a new starting lineup of Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, LeBron James, Jayson Tatum and Anthony Davis. Tonight was the first start for Tatum and Davis at The Games. Curry, James and Booker have started both games thus far.

Making a Run for It: The U.S. started strong against South Sudan, beginning on a 6-0 run through the first 1:30. South Sudan responded with a 7-0 run to take their first, and only, lead of the game. From there, the two teams traded buckets before a Kevin Durant free throw with 3:29 remaining marked the start of a 16-4 end-of-quarter run, giving the U.S. a 26-14 advantage. The red, white and blue led by double-digits the rest of the way.

Hot Off the Pine: The USA showed off their depth throughout tonight’s contest. Through the first half, the U.S. reserves contributed 40 of the team’s 55 points. The American bench totaled 66 points to South Sudan’s 14 by the end of the contest.

Wam, Bam, Thank You Man: Bam Adebayo was a force off the bench for the United States. He led the team in the first half, scoring 14 points (6-6 FG, 2-2 3FG) without missing a shot. He finished with a team-high 18 points (8-10 FG, 2-3 3FG), a team-high-tying 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 1 block.

Tonight was Adebayo’s highest scoring performance in his Olympic career and second Olympic game with 10+ points (12 vs. France, 7/25/2021).

King of the Court: James put up 12 points (5-9 FG, 2-3 FT), a team-high-tying 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 steal.

James, who now has 308 career points at the Olympics, became the third player to have 300+ career points at The Games. He joins Kevin Durant (458) and Carmelo Anthony (336) as the only players to reach the threshold.

Book It: Booker was a steady presence for the USA in the win with 10 points (4-6 FG, 1-2 3FG, 1-1 FT), a team-best 6 assists and 1 steal. He has scored in double figures in two-straight games, while his 6 helpers are a personal best in his two Olympic appearances.

Checking In: Tatum made his 2024 Olympic debut tonight and finished with 4 points (2-4 FG), 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block. Tyrese Haliburton, who is participating in his first Olympic Games, also debuted and recorded 6 points (2-3 FG, 2-3 3FG) and 1 assist.

Double Figures: The United States had six players finish with 10+ points against South Sudan. Joining Adebayo (18), James (12) and Booker (10) was Kevin Durant (14), Anthony Edwards (13) and Derrick White (10).