Two days after an intense showdown with South Sudan, Team USA returned to the O2 Arena in London to face a resilient German squad. The game was a nail-biter, with the United States edging out Germany 92-88, thanks largely to a spectacular performance from LeBron James.
LeBron Leads the Charge
LeBron James proved once again why he is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. With the game hanging in the balance, James took control, scoring the United States' final 11 points to secure the win. He finished the game with a team-high 20 points on an efficient 8-for-11 shooting, contributing six rebounds and four assists in just 20 minutes of play. His dominance was particularly evident in the final four minutes, where he single-handedly turned the tide in favor of Team USA.
Strong Supporting Cast
While James was the hero of the night, he was far from alone in his efforts. Joel Embiid added a robust all-around performance with 15 points on 5-for-8 shooting, eight rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block in 21 minutes. Stephen Curry also made his presence felt, contributing 13 points and a plus-10 rating in his 25 minutes on the court.
Coach Steve Kerr's decision to rest Tyrese Haliburton and have Derrick White lead the second unit showcased the depth of this Team USA roster. Despite the absence of Kevin Durant, who was sidelined with a strained calf, the team managed to pull through against a formidable German side.
Germany's Strong Effort
Germany was no pushover. They showed resilience and skill, going on a 16-4 run late in the third quarter and even taking a one-point lead with less than five minutes remaining in the fourth. Franz Wagner was instrumental for Germany, leading their efforts with 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Dennis Schroder played the role of facilitator brilliantly, ending the game with 10 assists, while Moe Wagner contributed 12 points and seven rebounds in just 14 minutes of play.
Shooting Struggles
One area of concern for Team USA was their shooting from beyond the arc. The team shot a meager 6-for-17 from three-point range against Germany. In contrast, Germany took a staggering 43 three-point attempts, converting 13 of them. This disparity highlights an area where Team USA may need to focus as they head into their next challenges.
Looking Ahead
Team USA will now turn their attention to their first game of group play at the 2024 Olympics, where they will face Serbia on Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET. The current roster, featuring the talents of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Joel Embiid, will be looking to build on their recent successes. Although Germany fell short in this contest, their semifinal appearance in the FIBA World Cup last September and their spirited performance in London suggest they are a team to watch in the future.
The match against Germany was a test of grit and skill, and Team USA, led by the incomparable LeBron James, passed with flying colors. As the Olympics approach, the team will aim to fine-tune their strategies and continue their winning ways.