"I guess we got our answer"- Shannon Sharpe weighs in on heated debate among Team USA fans following LeBron James’ clutch play
LeBron James delivered the clutch play as Team USA narrowly escaped South Sudan, 101-100, in their pre-Olympic tune-up game on Saturday in London. And while fans were divided over how the victory was pulled out, ESPN's Shannon Sharpe chimed in, moving to silence those who continue to doubt 'The King' and highlighting how he remains the main man in a loaded squad.
The U.S. squad found itself having to labor for much of the contest against a highly confident South Sudan side. The East African side surprised and made a ferocious chargeback, taking the lead 100-99 with 20 seconds to go on a JT Thor's 3-pointer.
After a timeout, Team USA put the ball in the hands of LeBron James, who drove from the top of the key and scored on a layup for the go-ahead, 101-100, with eight seconds to go. South Sudan had a chance to win the game but its attempts to reach the basket proved futile.
The victory, however, garnered mixed reactions, including how James and the U.S. squad should not have been in such a situation considering the immense talent they had.
Sharpe, co-host of ESPN's First Take, weighed in on the win, choosing to celebrate it and giving props to LA Lakers superstar James. He took to X, formerly Twitter, and said:
"I guess we get our answer on who's taking the last shot IF* USA men's tm down a basket? Guess he's not 2 old after all."
The game-winning basket capped what was a solid outing individually for LeBron James, who finished with 25 points, six rebounds and six assists. Anthony Davis added 15 of his own in the win.
Team USA has one more tune-up game in its schedule on Monday against Germany before plunging into Olympic action on July 28 in Paris.
LeBron James likes the challenge Team USA got from South Sudan
Team USA did not have it easy against South Sudan but LeBron James said he basked in the tough challenge they got and believed it would only make them better moving forward.
The Americans edged out South Sudan, 101-100, in their pre-Olympic tune-up game in London on Saturday in a game that saw them trail for much of the time and needing a James game-winner in the closing seconds.
Following the game, LeBron James spoke of their hard-earned victory, saying:
"I'm going to be honest: I like those better than the blowouts. At least we get tested."
Team USA will see South Sudan once again, as they are both in Group C in the Paris Olympic Games, along with Serbia and Puerto Rico.