LeBron James hits dagger as Team USA survives 101-100 to beat South Sudan

The United States defeated South Sudan 101-100 in London, overcoming a 16-point deficit to avert one of the largest upsets in basketball history.

In an Olympic warm-up game at the O2 Arena, South Sudan led 58-42 at the half and led by 14 points at the end.

The USA embarked on a 16-0 run to take a five-point lead at the end of the third quarter, but with 20 seconds left, South Sudan rallied to take the lead by one point.

With eight seconds remaining, LeBron James made a clutch layup to give his team a one-point lead. South Sudan was unable to score a late game-winner.

At the summer Olympics in Paris, South Sudan, rated 33rd in the world, will compete for the first time, while the United States is aiming for its fifth straight gold medal in men's basketball.

Only four members of the South Sudan team have participated in an NBA game, compared to the twelve-man USA roster, which is home to some of the best players in the league.

However, in the first half, they outperformed the team ranked #1 in the world, making 61% of their shots while the USA only managed one three-pointer.

Forward JT for the Charlotte Hornets and South Sudan's Marial Shayok scored a game-high 25 points. Late in the game, Thor made a three-pointer to put his team up 100-99.

But James, who finished with 23 points after capping a strong second-half performance with the game-winning basket, owed the USA a debt of gratitude.

The United States will play their final warm-up against Germany at the O2 on Monday. The Americans have won all four of their exhibition matches leading up to the Olympics.