Two days after their intense face-off with South Sudan, Team USA took to the court once again, this time at the iconic O2 Arena in London. This time, their opponents were Germany, a formidable team that enjoyed a strong run, coming off a semifinal appearance in last September's FIBA World Cup.
The duel proved to be a nail-biting affair, culminating in a 92-88 victory for the Americans. Central to this triumph was LeBron James, who demonstrated why he remains one of the most clutch players in basketball. With the game hanging in the balance in the final four minutes, James took control, scoring the United States' last 11 points. He finished the game with a team-high 20 points on an efficient 8-for-11 shooting, complemented by six rebounds and four assists in just 20 minutes of action.
Backing up LeBron's heroics were strong performances from Joel Embiid and Stephen Curry. Embiid contributed 15 points on 5-for-8 shooting, alongside eight rebounds, five assists, one steal, and a block in 21 minutes. Curry, known for his sharpshooting prowess, added 13 points and registered a plus-10 rating during his 25 minutes on the floor.
The game wasn't without its challenges for Team USA. Germany made a significant push in the latter parts of the game, particularly with a formidable 16-4 run late in the third quarter. This impressive spurt saw them take a one-point lead with less than five minutes left in the game, setting the stage for a tight finish.
Germany's effort was spearheaded by Franz Wagner, who led his team with 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Dennis Schroder was equally valuable, ending the game with an impressive 10 assists. Moe Wagner also made notable contributions with 12 points and seven rebounds in just 14 minutes of play.
However, the evening belonged to LeBron James. His last-minute display of scoring prowess ensured that Team USA emerged victorious, even as Germany pressed hard to overtake them. Despite the close margin, every point counted, making James' final 11 points indispensable to the win.
Coach Steve Kerr made strategic substitutions, opting to rest Tyrese Haliburton and have Derrick White lead the second unit. This decision played a part in maintaining the team's resilience throughout the intensely competitive match.
On a more cautious note, Kevin Durant was sidelined with a strained calf, which prevented him from participating in any tune-up games. His absence was felt, but the depth in the Team USA roster helped cover for the loss.
From the three-point line, the Americans shot 6 for 17, a statistic they will likely aim to improve in future games. In contrast, Germany was more prolific, attempting 43 three-pointers and converting 13 of them.
Looking forward, Team USA is set to face Serbia in their first game of group play at the 2024 Olympics. This much-anticipated match will take place on Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET. With a roster boasting the likes of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Joel Embiid, expectations are high for the American squad as they strive for Olympic glory.