Two days after a resilient showdown with South Sudan, Team USA returned to the O2 Arena in London for a riveting face-off against Germany. In a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats, LeBron James once again demonstrated why he's considered one of basketball's all-time greats, leading the United States to a hard-fought 92-88 victory.
LeBron James Dominates in Crunch Time
James put on a display of athleticism and clutch performance, scoring the United States' final 11 points in a nail-biting finish. Ending the game with a team-high 20 points on an impressive 8-for-11 shooting, James also contributed six rebounds and four assists in just 20 minutes of play. In the final four minutes of the game, when every possession counted, James took over, securing the win for Team USA.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
Although James was the highlight, the entire squad showed up to play. Joel Embiid added 15 points on 5-for-8 shooting, along with eight rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block in his 21 minutes on the court. Stephen Curry chipped in 13 points and maintained a plus-10 rating during his 25 minutes, showcasing his impact on both ends of the floor.
Coach Steve Kerr opted to rest Tyrese Haliburton for this game, giving Derrick White the responsibility to lead the second unit. Despite the absence of Kevin Durant, who was sidelined with a strained calf throughout the tune-up games, the team adapted well to the rotation changes.
A Valiant Effort from Germany
Germany proved to be a formidable opponent, making a significant push in the late third quarter with a 16-4 run. They even managed to take a one-point lead with less than five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Franz Wagner led the German side with 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Dennis Schroder excelled as a playmaker with 10 assists, while Moe Wagner added 12 points and seven rebounds in his 14 minutes of action.
Shooting Struggles
While Team USA managed to clinch the win, their performance from beyond the arc left much to be desired. They shot 6 for 17 from three-point range, a stark contrast to Germany's 13-for-43 effort. Despite the disparity in three-point shooting, the American team’s resilience and star power saw them through.
Looking Ahead to the Olympics
Team USA will now shift their focus to the 2024 Olympics, where they are slated to face Serbia in their first game of group play on Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET. The current roster, featuring the likes of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Joel Embiid, looks poised to make a strong run in the tournament. Germany, on the other hand, can take pride in their performance, having also made a semifinal appearance in the FIBA World Cup last September.
As the games continue, fans around the globe will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on these basketball powerhouses, eager to see how the competition unfolds on the world's biggest stage.