LEBRON James spoke out after USA Basketball’s narrow victory against South Sudan.
Steve Kerr’s side avoided what would have been a humiliating defeat in London on Saturday by recovering from a 16-point deficit.
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A difficult night at the O2 Arena for the star-studded USA team saw them trail 58-42 at half-time in front of a booed, sell-out crowd.
After coming back into the game and trailing by just one point in the final seconds of the game, it was none other than James who rescued his pride with a last-gasp bucket.
With eight seconds left, James’ layup gave the U.S. a 101-100 victory.
But rather than being dismayed by the result, having entered the game with a 43.5-point lead, James was optimistic as he headed to the locker room.
“I’ll be honest, I like these more than the explosions, at least we test them,” he said, via NBA.
“I like taking tests, love… I like taking tests, these are the best.”
Meanwhile, teammate Steph Curry was full of praise for the legendary forward, commenting, “Step up.”
James racked up a team-high 23 points to go along with six rebounds and assists.
Los Angeles Lakers teammate Anthony Davis totaled an impressive 11 rebounds, along with 15 points and two assists.
Former Philadelphia 76ers star Marial Shayok led the way with 24 points, three rebounds and two assists for South Sudan.
Teammate and former Chicago Bulls point guard Carlik Jones finished with a night-high 11 assists and rebounds, as well as 15 points.
After the game, James credited South Sudan for “playing extremely good basketball.”
Regarding the USA, he said that “they don’t have much time to continue not taking steps forward.
“A lot of these teams we’re playing have been practicing a month or months in advance and we’re maybe two weeks together.
USA Basketball Olympic Schedule
Men
July 28, 11:15 a.m. ET – USA vs. Serbia, NBC
July 31, 3pm ET – USA vs. South Sudan, USA Network
August 3, 11:15 a.m. ET – USA vs. Puerto Rico, NBC
Women
July 29, 3pm ET, USA vs Japan, USA Network
August 1, 3pm ET, USA vs Belgium, USA Network
August 4, 11:15 a.m. ET USA vs. Germany, USA Network
“So in every game, in every film session we have an opportunity, we have to try to make the most of it and not take any steps back.”
Next up for James and Co. is another friendly in London against FIBA World Champions Germany.
They will face each other at the O2 on Monday, July 22.
The team will then head to Paris, where they will face Group C opponents Serbia, South Sudan and Puerto Rico between July 28th and August 3rd.
The U.S. is looking to win its fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal and 17th in 20 attempts.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
