Bam Adebayo emerges as most important player in Team USA win over South Sudan

Team USA on Wednesday defeated South Sudan 103-86 in their second group stage game of the 2024 Paris Olympics, and it is safe to say Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo did it all in this game. Adebayo finished with 18 points and seven rebounds to lead all scorers in 21 minutes of action.

Adebayo received extended minutes in this game because Joel Embiid did not play. This is likely because Team USA head coach Steve Kerr has said that he is focusing on matchups and combinations in these games, and the 40 minutes of playing time makes it nearly impossible to play all 12 players.

Bam Adebayo was the best two-way player in Team USA's win over South Sudan and a former Miami Heat teammate said he was doing "everything."

This matchup was all about defending wing players. Although Embiid is a talented defender, there are players on Team USA who are more effective at defending wings. Adebayo has proven that he can defend any player on the court.

Adebayo recorded a steal almost immediately upon entering the game. His defensive intensity only picked up from there, as he spent time defending nearly everyone on South Sudan, including Marial Shayok, who scored 25 points in the exhibition game between the United States and South Sudan.

Anthony Davis suffered an injury scare in the middle of the second quarter. Adebayo checked in for him. He took over the game to end the first half, knocking down two 3-pointers, finishing entry passes from Anthony Edwards, finishing a putback dunk, and playing excellent defense as always.

Former Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade, who was on the broadcast for the game, was clearly impressed with Bam’s impact. There was one possession where Bam grabbed a defensive rebound, brought the ball up the floor, and finished a lob pass from Derrick White. After that play, Wade remarked that Bam “did everything on that play.”

Team USA clinched a quarterfinal spot in the tournament with this win. Their next game is Friday against Puerto Rico, where big men like Adebayo could play a key role in establishing dominance in this game.