Two days following an intense showdown with South Sudan, Team USA stepped back onto the court at London's O2 Arena to face a formidable German team. In a game that tested the mettle of both squads, it was LeBron James who emerged as the hero, scoring the United States' final 11 points to secure a thrilling 92-88 victory over Germany.
LeBron Leading the Charge
LeBron James' performance was nothing short of spectacular. The NBA superstar ended the game with a team-high 20 points, shooting an impressive 8-for-11 from the field. His contributions weren’t limited to scoring, as he also grabbed six rebounds and dished out four assists in just 20 minutes of action. James effectively took over in the final four minutes, steering his team to victory when it mattered the most.
Supporting Cast Delivers
While LeBron was clearly the star, the supporting cast also played a crucial role. Joel Embiid added 15 points on 5-for-8 shooting, showcasing his versatility with eight rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block in 21 minutes. Stephen Curry, known best for his shooting prowess, contributed 13 points and finished with a plus-10 rating in his 25 minutes on the court.
Coach Steve Kerr made strategic decisions to rest some players, notably Tyrese Haliburton, while allowing Derrick White to lead the second unit. Kevin Durant, recovering from a strained calf, was sidelined and did not feature in any of the tune-up games, which could have been a concern, but the depth of Team USA compensated for his absence.
A Hard-Fought Battle
Germany, fresh off a semifinal appearance in the FIBA World Cup last September, proved to be a worthy adversary. Their persistence was apparent during a late third-quarter surge, where they went on a 16-4 run, momentarily taking control of the game. With less than five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Germany even managed to secure a one-point lead, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Franz Wagner spearheaded the German attack, leading his team with 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Dennis Schroder was a playmaking force, ending the game with 10 assists, while Moe Wagner chipped in with 12 points and seven rebounds in just 14 minutes on the floor. Germany's three-point shooting, however, was a double-edged sword; they attempted 43 shots from beyond the arc, converting 13. In contrast, Team USA had a more modest approach, shooting 6 for 17 from three-point range.
Next Up: Serbia
The victory against Germany sets the stage for Team USA’s first game in group play at the 2024 Olympics, where they will face Serbia on Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET. The current roster, highlighted by LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Joel Embiid, appears well-prepared to take on the challenges ahead.
This game showcased not just the star power but the depth and resilience of Team USA. With a blend of veteran leadership and strategic coaching, they demonstrated why they remain a powerhouse in international basketball, ready to take on the world's best in the upcoming Olympic Games.