Even at 39, LeBron James is still LeBron James.
In the fourth of five pre-Olympic exhibition games, South Sudan presented the U.S. Men’s National Team with its toughest test yet. When things looked toughest, James led Team USA’s offense and capped his performance with a game-winning layup.
After Team USA took a 12-2 lead, South Sudan turned the tide and went into the break with a 14-point lead. James’ game-winning drive marked the end of a second-half comeback that gave the U.S. a one-point lead.
James finished with a team-high 25 points, his best performance during the exhibition schedule. As he prepares for his 22nd NBA season, James looked as agile as he did during his final Olympic cycle 12 years ago.
Here’s more on the numbers behind James’ performance against South Sudan and what he had to say about the challenges they faced.
LeBron James Stats Today
James finished the game with 25 points on 10-of-14 shooting from the field, including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. In addition to scoring, James grabbed six rebounds and dished out seven assists.
Nothing was more impressive than James’ final drive to the basket, which came with Team USA down by one with 20 seconds left.
THAT’S WHAT IT DOES. ?
?? #USABMNT x ? @Fox Sports image.twitter.com/zGBz6TJ54T
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 20, 2024
James’ game-winning play was one of several impressive plays and moves he made that allowed the momentum to swing in Team USA’s favor. He relentlessly attacked the rim at halfcourt and also got out in transition, displaying his otherworldly athleticism.
Once again, endings like these come just months after his 40th birthday.
THE SALVATION. THE BLOW. OH MY GOD. ??
?? #USABMNT x ? @Fox Sports image.twitter.com/vGNDUQhY8H
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 20, 2024
To put it in perspective, James did all this in just 23 minutes of action.
LeBron James reacts to the US exhibition team’s victory against South Sudan
Even though Team USA was tested, James wasn’t upset with the performance or the fact that his team needed to come back from a double-digit deficit.
“We’re going to get better,” James said. saying As the team huddled after the game, “We’ve been together for less than two weeks (of practice). (Some teams) have been practicing for months and months and months, but good job, good way to be resilient and come away with a win.”
Team USA gathered for training camp two weeks before its exhibition win over South Sudan and, as James said, has been learning everything on the fly.
As he walked off the court, James made it clear that he enjoyed the nature of Saturday’s game.
“I’m going to be honest. I like those games more than blowouts. At least they test us,” James said as he walked out into the hallway. “I like being tested, kid. I like being tested. They’re the best.”
“I like being tested, babe!” #USABMNT
LeBron James after scoring the game-winning shot ?️? image.twitter.com/BsPZCoqJ9Q
— NBA (@NBA) July 20, 2024
The testing doesn’t stop as Team USA concludes its exhibition program against Germany. After opening Olympic play against Nikola Jokic and Serbia, the Americans will face this same South Sudanese team in Paris.
