The United States and South Sudan are ready for a rematch.
South Sudan nearly stunned Team USA during the pre-Olympics exhibition phase, but LeBron James took over late in the fourth quarter to ensure his country would remain undefeated. South Sudan will look for revenge now that the Olympics are officially underway, and both teams enter this contest coming off of wins in their first Group Stage games.
The United States secured a commanding 26-point victory over Nikola Jokic and Serbia behind a 23-point explosion from Kevin Durant in his first game back from a calf injury. South Sudan pulled off a comeback win over Jose Alvarado and Puerto Rico with breakout star Carlik Jones going for 19 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. It was the country’s first-ever win in men’s basketball on the Olympic stage.
MORE: Inside South Sudan’s basketball roster | Meet South Sudan star, Duke recruit Khaman Maluach
South Sudan shot the lights out against Team USA in the tune-up game, knocking down 14 3-pointers at a 42.4-percent clip in a one-point loss. Will the United States tighten up the defense to hold off another Cinderella story?
The Sporting News has you covered with live updates, highlights, and more from USA vs. South Sudan below.
MORE: Watch the 2024 Olympics live with FuboTV (Free trial)
USA vs. South Sudan basketball final score
| Group C | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | F |
| South Sudan | |||||
| United States |
USA vs. South Sudan live updates, highlights from 2024 Olympics
All times Eastern.
First quarter
3:05 p.m.: The United States learned their lesson after getting out to a slow start against South Sudan in the exhibition game. Team USA takes a quick 6-0 lead in the first two minutes to force a South Sudan timeout. LeBron James has four points and Jayson Tatum dished a smooth assist to Anthony Davis in his first moments of action this tournament.
Pregame
2:55 p.m.: South Sudan will start Carlik Jones, Nuni Omot, Bul Kuol, Marial Shayok and Wenyen Gabriel.
2:50 p.m.: Head coach Steve Kerr is switching up the starting lineup.
Jayson Tatum — who did not play against Serbia — and Anthony Davis will slot into the starting lineup with Stephen Curry, Devin Booker and LeBron James. Joel Embiid and Jrue Holiday will head to the bench.
Fresh Starting 5 for 🇺🇸 #USABMNT vs 🇸🇸 South Sudan
📺 @USANetwork @peacock#Paris2024 #Basketball pic.twitter.com/vGc2qOAYcA
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 31, 2024
2:30 p.m.: Joel Embiid is egging on the crowd at Pierre Mauroy Stadium ahead of Team USA’s game against South Sudan. You can read more on why Embiid is constantly being booed at the Olympics here.
Joel Embiid jokingly gestures to the fans to make more noise as they boo him when he steps on the court 😂
🎥: @Mth_Adrienpic.twitter.com/sjWtAPjQPQ
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) July 31, 2024
How to watch USA vs. South Sudan at 2024 Paris Olympics
- Date: Wednesday, July 31
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- TV channel: NBC
- Livestream: Peacock, NBCOlympics.com, Fubo
Fans can watch Team USA take on South Sudan on NBC on Wednesday, July 31 at 3 p.m. ET. For those streaming the game, Peacock and NBCOlympics.com will broadcast the match. Fubo is also available and has a free trial.
Men’s Olympic basketball schedule 2024
Wednesday, July 31
| Round | Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Group C | Puerto Rico vs. Serbia | 11:15 a.m. |
| Group C | United States vs. South Sudan | 3 p.m. |
Friday, Aug. 2
| Round | Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Group B | Japan vs. Brazil | 5 a.m. |
| Group A | Australia vs. Greece | 7:30 a.m. |
| Group A | Canada vs. Spain | 11:15 a.m. |
| Group B | France vs. Germany | 3 p.m. |
Saturday, Aug. 3
| Round | Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Group C | Puerto Rico vs. United States | 11:15 a.m. |
| Group C | Serbia vs. South Sudan | 3 p.m. |
Tuesday, Aug. 6
| Round | Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Quarterfinal | TBD vs. TBD | 5 a.m. |
| Quarterfinal | TBD vs. TBD | 8:30 a.m. |
| Quarterfinal | TBD vs. TBD | Noon |
| Quarterfinal | TBD vs. TBD | 3:30 p.m. |
Thursday, Aug. 8
| Round | Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Semifinal | TBD vs. TBD | 11:30 a.m. |
| Semifinal | TBD vs. TBD | 3 p.m. |
Saturday, Aug. 10
| Round | Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Bronze medal game | TBD vs. TBD | 5 a.m. |
| Gold medal game | TBD vs. TBD | 3:30 p.m. |
