Fans were on the edge of their seats during the final minutes of the USA versus South Sudan exhibition game. Of course, this game was meant to be a cakewalk for the Americans, but the South Sudanese had other plans. On the verge of their first Olympic games, South Sudan was off to a commanding start. They even held a 14-point lead at halftime. This was the moment that either of the stars had to take the last shot. Steve Kerr had plenty of options to choose from. Anthony Davis was quite consistent from the field and so were Stephen Curry and ANT. But then again, jersey number 6 took care of things in the final seconds. LeBron James went in for a tough layup to put Team USA up one with just 8 seconds left in the fourth.

Well, why LeBron James? The all-time scoring leader had 21 points up until the final minutes. Leading the team in points, Kerr had to draw the play for James. The scenario couldn’t have been better explained as Brian Windhorst did. “But at the end of this game, when the pressure was on, the ball was in LeBron James’ hand. For all these young guys, for this is Tatum or Anthony Edwards time or even Anthony Davis who’s been the MVP of this team. The ball was in LeBron James’ hands. Steve Kerr got the grease boort up and said ‘Number 6, get us out of this embarrassment’. And he did. And I think that could be important when you’re playing the games with stakes in the coming days,” said Windhorst, on ESPN.

Now this does raise questions regarding the future games. Who will take the last shot? Stephen Curry, the reigning Clutch Player of the Year? Anthony Edwards, the rising star? Kevin Durant, the most consistent scorer? Or Anthony Davis, who, as per Windhorst, is the MVP of the team. Well, firstly, Team USA will look to never fall into such a situation, especially in the group stage. However, if they do, it seems as if Kerr has all his trust in James for the closing moments.

If we look at the stats, James shot 10-14 from the field. On the other hand, Embiid was also shooting consistently going 5-6 inside the arc. With the given numbers and the situation, James was the player to go for out of all the reliable options. But is Steve Kerr overlooking Steph and ANT? Not exactly, at the end of the day, the ball will be in the hands of the player who’s having a night. And that night was certainly James’. The fact that Kerr might have a hidden agenda against ANT or neglect his Warrior for the final shot is what fans would wonder looking back at the game. Regardless, it will be interesting to see whether Kerr chooses anyone other than James for the last shot. But did the head coach really draw the play for Bron?

Did Steve Kerr draw the play for Steph instead?

For once during the play, it seemed that Steph was looking for an AD screen that would open him up for a three. James on the wing even waited for Curry to get on the top of the key for the triple. However, Steph’s defender was glued to him, which left James with no other option than to take care of the business himself. Not to mention Wenyen Gabriel, James’ former teammate almost blocked his left-hand finish. It would’ve been a completely different outcome even if Steph would’ve drained a three.

This would’ve forced South Sudan to splash a three of their own, which would’ve been easier than getting a shot over AD in the paint. Nevertheless, James’ game-winning performance was topped off by the American contingent who voted him to lead all of Team USA in the opening ceremony. The Americans are yet to play Germany for their final exhibition game. Now, this matchup may be the toughest of all, knowing that Germany defeated ANT and company last year in the FIBA World Championship.

It will be interesting to see LeBron James and the team answer back on Monday. What are your thoughts on James taking the final shot? Do you think Steve Kerr should let Steph do the honors? Let us know in the comments.