LeBron James, Steph Curry Praised by Fans as USA Avoids Huge Upset vs. South Sudan

LeBron James hit a game-winning layup with eight seconds remaining as Team USA men's basketball avoided a monumental upset en route to a 101-100 win over South Sudan in an exhibition on Saturday in London.

South Sudan had a few chances to win the game after James' go-ahead bucket. Carlik Jones missed a mid-range jumper, but Wenyen Gabriel followed it and grabbed the offensive rebound. He had two putback attempts for the win, but neither connected and Team USA survived.

South Sudan led 58-44 at halftime and held a 76-65 advantage in the third quarter thanks largely to Jones (15 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists) and Marial Shayok, who made six three-pointers en route to 24 points. Simply put, they led an incredible effort for a South Sudan side that was a 43.5-point underdog.

However, Team USA responded with a 16-0 run to end the third quarter and take a five-point lead into the fourth.

During that run, James got a three-point play following a Jrue Holiday steal, and Curry hit two threes, including one from way downtown for the lead.

Team USA kept the lead for most of the fourth thanks much to James, who went coast-to-coast here for a 90-84 lead.

James came through in the end following a late South Sudan flurry, capping his 23-point, six-assist, six-rebound day in style. Anthony Davis led the reserves with a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double. Curry had 12 points.

Up next for Team USA is an exhibition matchup against Germany on Monday in London.

Team USA and South Sudan will meet again in the Olympics as both are in Group C. Serbia and Puerto Rico are also matched with them. USA-Serbia is up first on July 28.