US Basketball Stars suffer setback against South Sudan
Before the final Olympic test against Germany, NBA stars step down. The underdog Sudan gave LeBron James and Co. a tough time. The sensation was narrowly missed.
The basketball superstars from the USA barely avoided a blunder in the Olympic preparation against Sudan. The team led by four-time NBA champion LeBron James won 101:100 (44:58). The 39-year-old secured the fourth victory in the fourth warm-up game with a basket four seconds before the end.
After a significant deficit at halftime, the team with superstars took the lead and went from a 18-point deficit to a seemingly comfortable 83:76 lead. However, the underdog refused to give up and missed the sensation by only a few seconds.
In the NBA, James (Los Angeles Lakers), Durant (Phoenix Suns), Curry (Golden State Warriors), or Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers) are undisputed superstars of their teams - in France, they must work together on the field. That this works is beyond doubt.
The United States are the clear favorite for gold, in Paris they could crown themselves the fifth time in a row as Olympic champions - a total of 17 triumphs on the largest sports stage are at stake.
On Monday (8 p.m./ProSeven), the towering gold favorite in London is the next opponent for the German national team, which has chances for a medal after the World Championship title in the past summer. For both teams, it is the last test before the Olympic Games in Paris (July 26 to August 11).
"It's really good that we play against the USA," said national coach Gordon Herberger. "They are clearly the favorite for the Gold Medal. It's good for us to play against a tough, physical opponent."
The US-Basketball-Stars, including LeBron James, had a close call against Sudan's underdog team during their Olympic preparation, saving a potential blunder with a late basket from James. Despite Sudan nearly pulling off an upset, the US-Basketball-Stars managed to secure a 1-point victory in South Olympics preparation, with James' contribution being crucial.
