Two days after a tense showdown with South Sudan, Team USA made its much-anticipated return to the O2 Arena in London to square off against Germany. The spotlight was on LeBron James, who delivered a stunning performance, scoring the United States' final 11 points to secure a hard-fought 92-88 victory.
In a thrilling contest, LeBron ended the game with a team-high 20 points, shooting an impressive 8-for-11 from the field. His contribution didn't stop there; James also added six rebounds and four assists during his 20 minutes on the court. Taking charge in the game’s final four minutes, LeBron's leadership and skill proved indispensable for the Americans.
Supporting Cast Shines
While LeBron was undoubtedly the star, he was supported by key performances from his teammates. Joel Embiid delivered a solid showing with 15 points on 5-for-8 shooting, bolstered by eight rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block in 21 minutes of play. Stephen Curry also made his presence felt, contributing 13 points and registering a plus-10 rating over his 25 minutes on the floor.
Coach Steve Kerr made the strategic decision to rest Tyrese Haliburton, instead opting for Derrick White to lead the second unit. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant, nursing a strained calf, did not feature in any of the tune-up games, allowing younger players to showcase their talents.
Germany’s Valiant Effort
Germany put forth a commendable effort, highlighted by a significant 16-4 run late in the third quarter that brought them within striking distance. The Germans even managed to take a one-point lead with less than five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, making for a nail-biting finish.
Leading the charge for Germany was Franz Wagner, who recorded 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Dennis Schroder orchestrated the offense with precision, dishing out 10 assists, while Moe Wagner contributed 12 points and seven rebounds in just 14 minutes of action.
Three-Point Battle
The game also underscored the differences in three-point shooting between the two teams. Team USA struggled from beyond the arc, converting just 6 of their 17 attempts. In contrast, Germany attempted a staggering 43 three-pointers, managing to hit 13 of them. This disparity in perimeter shooting added to the tension, as each side fought to capitalize on their strengths.
Looking Ahead to the Olympics
As Team USA gears up for the 2024 Olympics, their upcoming challenge will be against Serbia in their first game of group play, scheduled for Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET. With a roster boasting the likes of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Joel Embiid, the United States is poised to make a strong showing in the tournament.
Germany, fresh off a semifinal appearance in the FIBA World Cup last September, has demonstrated that they are not to be taken lightly. Their resilience and tactical approach suggest they will be formidable opponents in international competitions to come.
As the world watches, basketball fans can only anticipate more captivating encounters and stellar performances from these elite athletes on their quest for Olympic glory.