Two days after a showdown with South Sudan, Team USA returned to the O2 Arena in London for a gripping encounter with Germany. This match bore all the hallmarks of a classic duel, showcasing the electrifying talents of LeBron James and the rising stars of German basketball.
LeBron's Heroics Secure Victory
In a tightly contested game, LeBron James once again demonstrated why he remains a pivotal figure in American basketball. With the game on the line, James delivered 11 consecutive points to cement a 92-88 victory over Germany. He finished the game with a team-high 20 points, shooting an impressive 8-for-11 from the field. In just 20 minutes of play, James also contributed six rebounds and four assists, underscoring his all-around mastery on the court.
Strong Supporting Cast
Not to be outdone, Joel Embiid added 15 points on 5-for-8 shooting. His versatile performance was further bolstered by eight rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block, all achieved within 21 minutes. Stephen Curry also played a significant role, contributing 13 points and a plus-10 rating during his 25 minutes on the court.
Emphasizing tactical adjustments, Coach Steve Kerr opted to rest Tyrese Haliburton in favor of Derrick White leading the second unit. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant was sidelined, nursing a strained calf that kept him out of all tune-up games leading to this showdown.
Germany's Resilient Fight
Germany, coming off a semifinal appearance in the FIBA World Cup last September, was undeterred by America's star-studded lineup. A pivotal moment came late in the third quarter, when Germany went on a 16-4 run, putting pressure on Team USA. They eventually took a one-point lead with less than five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
Franz Wagner spearheaded the German effort with a commanding performance, amassing 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Dennis Schroder, ever the playmaker, ended the game with 10 assists, while Moe Wagner contributed an efficient 12 points and seven rebounds over 14 minutes.
Shooting Statistics and Next Challenge
In terms of shooting efficiency, Team USA had a mixed outing, converting just 6 of 17 attempts from beyond the arc. Conversely, Germany launched an ambitious 43 three-pointers, successfully making 13.
As Team USA gears up for their first game of group play at the 2024 Olympics, they will face Serbia on Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET. The current roster, featuring LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Joel Embiid, will look to build on their recent performance and carry forward the momentum in pursuit of Olympic glory.
This London match serves as a compelling prelude to the high-stakes competition ahead, with both teams showcasing their strengths and resilience. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on these basketball powerhouses, who promise to deliver thrilling moments and captivating performances on the grandest stage.