(Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)
Team USA was favored by 43 points heading into this weekend’s friendly game against South Sudan.
And although they ended up winning that game the margin was just one point and they were down by double digits at times.
South Sudan has received nothing but great praise following their terrific showing in the game, including from former NBA star Paul Pierce.
Speaking on Monday’s “Undisputed,” Pierce gave his respect to the team and said that they proved they have “pride” and also highlighted “a seismic shift in international play.”
.@PaulPierce34 gives all his respect to South Sudan after scaring Team USA
“They have pride and showed me a seismic shift in International play.” pic.twitter.com/aECSk3Inea
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) July 22, 2024
Team USA was down by 14 points at halftime and there was a very good chance of them losing.
It would have been an embarrassing defeat for the team that is the odds-on favorites to win gold at the upcoming games.
South Sudan’s head coach Royal Ivey has a talented crew of young underdogs who believe in themselves and were able to outscore because they were able to outshoot the Americans.
Because of the hard work of players like Carlik Jones, Marial Shayok, Wenyen Gabriel, and others, the team continually made life hard for the US.
In the end, Team USA evened the score and was able to win because of a late bucket from LeBron James.
For Team USA, this was a startling reminder that they need to be on their A-game at all times.
And for South Sudan, this was a moment to celebrate all they have accomplished and how they have stepped onto the world stage.
Basketball is not just an American sport and the international teams around the world have improved in major ways recently and South Sudan’s close defeat proves that.
The post Paul Pierce Gets Honest About South Sudan After Near Upset Of Team USA appeared first on The Cold Wire.