If the exhibition game between Team USA and South Sudan was an indication, the African team would be tough competitors! Sure enough, the clash between the two teams in the Paris Olympics was not a nail-biter, but a tough one. Furthermore, it didn’t improve things for the hoopers after the audience at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium witnessed Anthony Davis lying on the floor, clutching his knee in pain. According to reports, the 31-year-old player had taken a hit on his ankle.

Fortunately, fans won’t have to worry about Anthony Davis ending up in a similar situation to Kawhi Leonard. The player confirmed he was “100%”, and that the injury scare wasn’t a big one. Furthermore, if his former Lakers teammate Wenyen Gabriel was set to get in any trouble from the fanbase inflicting the injury, AD covered up for that as well. “Wenyen being Wenyen,” Team USA’s Center joked.

“He’s my guy. I was falling, and he came down too and just kind of stepped on my foot.” Barring the awkward injury, during the South Sudan game, Anthony Davis managed to secure a score of 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. His former South Sudanese mate had only added 2 points by going 1-3 with his field goals and 0-1 with his three-pointers.

While AD’s contribution helped, it was KD, Bam Adebayo, and LeBron James, whose combined addition helped Team USA win the game and earn a spot in the upcoming QFs. With a 1-1 score, South Sudan may also not count themselves out of the tournament just yet.

Anthony Davis had already been dealing with some illness issues, preventing him from being present during a couple of practice sessions before the South Sudan game. Therefore, it didn’t help his case when he expressed that Wenyen Gabriel “just kind of stepped” on his foot. However, by taking AD’s words into account, there is no reason for him to be absent from the Puerto Rico game.

LeBron and Steph defend Anthony Davis after Wenyen Gabriel incident grew

There is no denying the fact that things can get heated on the basketball court. It is what led to Wenyen Gabriel unintentionally causing the injury to Anthony Davis. The Lakers star realized this as well, which is why very few people would’ve blamed him after he unintentionally bumped into Gabriel later. However, the official’s call wasn’t in his favor!

During the 4th quarter, Anthony Davis hit Wenyen Gabriel in the abdomen. Davis, who believed the incident to be an “accident”, was reportedly frustrated, and could be seen shaking his head and smiling in disbelief.

Soon enough, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant gathered around the referee to appeal the decision. This view was something that left sports commentator Noah Eagle stunned as well. “Think about the four players right there that are pleading to Takaki Kato, a 10-year FIBA veteran,” Eagle said. “You’ve got Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry and LeBron James, all on the 75th anniversary team, trying to tell you that your call is incorrect.”

The call getting overturned would have made no difference since Team USA ended up winning comfortably 103-86. What was your review of the game? Let us know in the comments below.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.