Two days after their showdown with South Sudan, Team USA returned to the O2 Arena in London for a highly anticipated clash against Germany. In a game filled with dramatic highs and lows, LeBron James proved why he's considered one of the greatest to ever play the game. Scoring the United States' final 11 points, LeBron led Team USA to a hard-fought 92-88 victory over a resilient German squad.
LeBron’s Heroics Lead the Charge
LeBron James displayed his characteristic poise under pressure, taking control in the final four minutes to seal the win for Team USA. Finishing the game with a team-high 20 points on an efficient 8-for-11 shooting, he also contributed six rebounds and four assists in just 20 minutes of play. His late-game heroics not only secured the victory but also underscored his role as a clutch performer for the national team.
Supporting Efforts
The match wasn't solely a one-man show; Team USA had strong contributions from its other stars as well. Joel Embiid added 15 points, shooting 5-for-8 from the field. He also dominated the glass, grabbing eight rebounds while dishing out five assists, racking up a steal, and blocking a shot in his 21 minutes on the court. Stephen Curry chipped in with 13 points and a plus-10 rating, showcasing his usual sharpshooting and playmaking abilities over 25 minutes of action.
In a strategic move, Coach Steve Kerr opted to rest Tyrese Haliburton and allowed Derrick White to lead the second unit. This shuffle looked to bolster the depth for Team USA, showing Kerr's tactical flexibility leading up to the Olympics. Notably absent from the game was Kevin Durant, who was sidelined with a strained calf and hadn't participated in any tune-up games, heightening interest in his eventual return to the lineup.
Germany’s Resilient Performance
Germany wasn’t there just to add to the numbers; they made their presence felt throughout the game. They went on a crucial 16-4 run late in the third quarter and even took a one-point lead with less than five minutes remaining in the fourth. Franz Wagner led the German contingency with 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and an impressive three steals. His all-around performance was a key factor in Germany making it a closely contested game.
Not to be overshadowed, Dennis Schroder orchestrated the German offense effectively, ending the game with 10 assists. Moe Wagner also made a significant impact in limited minutes, contributing 12 points and seven rebounds in just 14 minutes of play. Despite their best efforts, Germany fell short, but not without showcasing their competitive spirit and resilience.
Shooting Struggles
One area where Team USA struggled was from beyond the arc, shooting a mere 6 for 17 from three-point range. In contrast, Germany attempted 43 three-pointers and converted 13 of them, a stat that kept them in the game and made it a nail-biting affair. This discrepancy in outside shooting is something Team USA will need to address as they head into more competitive fixtures.
As Team USA now turns its attention to the 2024 Olympics, their first match in group play against Serbia is set for Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET. With a roster that boasts the likes of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Joel Embiid, expectations are sky-high for the Americans. Their performance against Germany, while not without its challenges, showed they have the star power and resilience to grind out wins even when not firing on all cylinders.
Germany's performance, particularly their semifinal appearance in the FIBA World Cup last September, suggests they are a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. Despite the loss, their competitiveness against a star-studded Team USA roster is a testament to their growth and potential in upcoming tournaments.