Joel Embiid puts up his best performance in Team USA’s 101-100 win over South Sudan

Entering Team USA’s fourth exhibition game, Joel Embiid was under an even larger microscope following his comments in an interview with the New York Times.

The 2023 MVP silenced the critics, dropping 14 points to go along with 7 rebounds, 3 assists (3 turnovers), on 5-6 shooting from the field and 4-6 foul shooting.

Despite South Sudan’s noble effort, especially from former 76er Marial Shayok, Team USA, led by LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Joel Embiid were able to will the Americans back from a 14-point halftime deficit in a game that came down to the very last possession, where South Sudan nearly pulled off a storied upset.

Here’s how close South Sudan came to one of the biggest upsets in basketball history: https://t.co/MF5bLjU1W0 pic.twitter.com/egRUGnUrJD

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 20, 2024

Joel Embiid: 14 PTS, 7 REB, 3 AST

Fresh off telling the New York Times that teammate LeBron James wasn’t the same star that he once was in the NBA, Embiid and James found their rhythm on the basketball court throughout the game against South Sudan.

James set Embiid up for a few buckets in the second half and was quick to find mismatched defenders on Embiid in the restricted area, feeding him entry passes for quick buckets.

Give-and-go with Joel Embiid and LeBron James👀

I guess LeBron isn't so washed after all!pic.twitter.com/vVnn4Ojb4R

— Jacob Moreno (@jmoreno76ers) July 20, 2024

Like in USA’s win over Serbia, Embiid was once again used in double-screen actions to free up Stephen Curry for open perimeter looks and it worked like a charm.

Though he didn’t have an Anthony Davis-like defensive impact, Embiid showed his elite defensive ability in the second half, specifically when guarding pick-and-roll actions.

Rather than deep dropping against the ball-handler, Embiid played tighter and blew up a few of South Sudan’s possessions as a result.

Embiid’s ability to work out of double teams is still a work in progress as he chalked up a few turnovers in those situations throughout the first half, but it’s better that he’s making those mistakes and enduring those growing pains now than on the Olympic tournament stage.

Team USA will battle Franz Wagner and Germany in their fifth showcase game on July 22nd at 3:00 p.m. EST on Fox Sports in London.

Mandatory Credit:Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy / NBAE via Getty Images)