In a gripping encounter at London's O2 Arena, Team USA edged out Germany 92-88, thanks to a phenomenal performance by LeBron James. Two days after a challenging match against South Sudan, the American squad showcased their resilience and depth, with James leading the charge in the final minutes.
LeBron Dominates Final Moments
LeBron James proved once again why he's one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Facing a one-point deficit with less than five minutes left in the fourth quarter, James took matters into his own hands. He scored the United States' last 11 points, sealing the victory with his composure and precision on the court. James finished the game with a team-high 20 points, shooting an impressive 8-for-11 from the field. In addition to his scoring, he added six rebounds and four assists during his 20 minutes of play.
Key Contributions from Embiid and Curry
While James stole the spotlight in the closing moments, Joel Embiid and Stephen Curry also played pivotal roles. Embiid contributed a solid 15 points on 5-for-8 shooting, along with eight rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block in just 21 minutes. His presence in the paint and defensive prowess were instrumental in keeping Germany at bay.
Stephen Curry, known for his sharp shooting and playmaking abilities, added 13 points and posted a plus-10 rating in his 25 minutes on the court. Curry's ability to stretch the floor and create opportunities for his teammates kept the German defense on its toes throughout the match.
Strategic Moves and Absent Stars
Coach Steve Kerr made some tactical adjustments, choosing to rest Tyrese Haliburton and letting Derrick White lead the second unit. This decision allowed the team to maintain a high level of energy and performance over the course of the game. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant, sidelined with a strained calf, did not make an appearance in the tune-up games, focusing on recovering for the upcoming Olympics.
Germany's Impressive Effort
Germany showed tremendous fight, especially during a crucial 16-4 run late in the third quarter. Franz Wagner spearheaded the German attack, scoring 18 points and contributing seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals. He was a consistent threat on both ends of the floor, demonstrating his all-around skills.
Dennis Schroder orchestrated the German offense with finesse, dishing out 10 assists and keeping the Team USA defense on high alert. Moe Wagner also made his presence felt, adding 12 points and seven rebounds in just 14 minutes of play.
Team USA's Shooting Woes
Despite the victory, Team USA had a rough outing from beyond the arc, converting only 6 of their 17 three-point attempts. In contrast, Germany let fly a barrage of three-pointers, attempting 43 and making 13. This disparity in shooting from long range kept the game close and made for an electrifying finish.
Looking Ahead
The game against Germany serves as a critical tune-up for Team USA as they prepare for their first game of group play at the 2024 Olympics. They will face Serbia on Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET, and the roster featuring stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Joel Embiid has fans and analysts eagerly anticipating their performance on the global stage. With the depth and talent on display in their latest outing, Team USA remains a strong contender for Olympic gold.
Germany's performance, particularly their semifinal appearance in the FIBA World Cup last September, indicates that they will be formidable opponents in the tournament. As both teams continue to refine their strategies and iron out any kinks, basketball enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting and competitive Olympic showdown.