James led the way in scoring for the USA

LEBRON James has spoken out following USA Basketball’s narrow come-from-behind win against South Sudan.

Steve Kerr’s team avoided what would have been a humiliating defeat in London on Saturday as they came back from a 16-point deficit.

LeBron James saved the day for USA Basketball when he scored the game-winning layup against South SudanCredit: AP

Steph Curry labeled James ‘the closer’ after the 101-100 winCredit: Getty
A tough evening at the O2 Arena for the star-laden USA lineup saw them trail 58-42 at halftime in front of a booing sellout crowd.

Having clawed their way back into the game, and trailing by just one point in the dying seconds of the game, it was none other than James who rescued their pride with a last-gasp bucket.

With eight seconds to go, James’ layup handed the USA a 101-100 win.

But rather than being dismayed by their result, having entered the game favored by 43.5 points, James was optimistic as he headed for the locker room.

“I’m going to be honest, I like those ones better than the blowouts, at least we get tested,” he said, via the NBA.

“I like getting tested, baby…I like being tested, those are the best ones.”

Meanwhile, teammate Steph Curry was full of praise for the legendary forward, commenting, “Put the closer on.”

James racked up a team-high 23 points, along with six rebounds and assists.

Los Angeles Lakers teammate Anthony Davis totaled an impressive 11 rebounds as well as 15 points and two assists.

Former Philadelphia 76ers star Marial Shayok led the game with 24 points, three rebounds, and two assists for South Sudan.

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Teammate and ex-Chicago Bulls guard Carlik Jones finished with an evening-best 11 assists and rebounds as well as 15 points.

After the game, James credited South Sudan for having “played extremely good basketball.”

Regarding the USA, he noted that they “don’t have a lot of time to continue to not take steps forward. We have to continue to take steps forwards.

“A lot of these teams that we’re playing have been practicing either one month or months in advance and we’re like maybe two weeks into it together.

USA basketball Olympic schedule

Men

July 28, 11.15am ET – USA vs Serbia, NBC

July 31, 3pm ET – USA vs South Sudan, USA Network

August 3, 11.15am 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, 11.15am ET USA vs Germany, USA Network

“So every game, every film session we get 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 warm-up game in London against the FIBA World Champions Germany.

They’ll face off back at the O2 on Monday, July 22.