Two days after a challenging encounter with South Sudan, Team USA took the court at the O2 Arena in London to face a formidable German team. The matchup proved to be a closely-fought battle that saw LeBron James shine in the game's critical moments, leading the United States to a 92-88 victory.
LeBron James delivered an electrifying performance by scoring the United States' final 11 points to secure the win. His overall contribution included a team-high 20 points, efficiently scored on 8-for-11 shooting. Beyond his scoring prowess, James also added six rebounds and four assists within just 20 minutes on the floor, underscoring his all-around impact.
LeBron’s heroics were crucial, especially in the final four minutes, turning the tide in favor of Team USA. With less than five minutes remaining, Germany had managed to take a one-point lead, thanks largely to a 16-4 run late in the third quarter. The German team, undeterred by Team USA's star-studded roster, put up a fight led by Franz Wagner, who tallied 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
Joel Embiid was another key contributor for Team USA, adding 15 points on 5-for-8 shooting. Embiid also dominated the boards with eight rebounds and showcased his playmaking with five assists, complemented by a steal and a block in his 21 minutes of action. Not to be outdone, Stephen Curry chipped in with 13 points and earned a plus-10 rating during his 25 minutes on the court.
Coach Steve Kerr made strategic adjustments, opting to rest Tyrese Haliburton and give Derrick White the reins to lead the second unit. This decision paid off as Team USA's depth continued to prove critical in their overall success. However, the absence of Kevin Durant, sidelined with a strained calf, remained a notable gap in the roster. Durant did not feature in any of the tune-up games, and his availability for future contests remains a question mark.
Germany’s Valiant Effort
Germany's tenacity was commendable throughout the match. Franz Wagner’s leadership was evident, but he was not alone in his efforts. Dennis Schroder, the playmaker for the German side, finished with an impressive tally of 10 assists, keeping the ball moving and setting up his teammates for scoring opportunities. Moe Wagner also played a pivotal role, contributing 12 points and seven rebounds in just 14 minutes of play.
Despite their cohesive team play, Germany struggled with three-point efficiency. While they attempted 43 shots from beyond the arc, only 13 found the mark. In contrast, Team USA, though not exceptionally sharp, managed to convert six of their 17 three-point attempts.
Looking Ahead
With this hard-fought victory, Team USA now turns its attention to its first game of group play at the 2024 Olympics, where they will face Serbia. The match is scheduled for Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET, offering another opportunity for the team to fine-tune their performance against top-tier international competition.
The current Team USA roster, featuring luminaries like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Joel Embiid, will be expected to lead by example. Their collective experience and skill set will be crucial as they navigate the challenges posed by other elite teams. Germany, having made a semifinal appearance in the FIBA World Cup last September, has already proven themselves to be formidable adversaries and a team to watch.
As the journey to Olympic glory continues, fans and pundits alike will be keenly observing the tactics and performances that Coach Steve Kerr employs. Each game offers new insights and revelations, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable path forward for Team USA.