Two days removed from their clash with South Sudan, Team USA returned to the O2 Arena in London with their sights set on Germany. The match proved to be a compelling contest, filled with intense back-and-forth action that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
LeBron James Leads Late Surge
In a game that saw the lead change multiple times, it was LeBron James who took control in the closing moments. Scoring the United States' final 11 points, James ensured a 92-88 victory over a tenacious German squad. He finished the game with a team-high 20 points, shooting an impressive 8-for-11 from the field.
James also contributed six rebounds and four assists in his 20 minutes on the floor. With less than five minutes left in the fourth quarter, Germany had taken a one-point lead. That’s when James stepped up, showcasing why he remains one of the most formidable players in international basketball.
Supporting Cast Shines
Joel Embiid provided crucial support, adding 15 points on 5-for-8 shooting. He also contributed eight rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block in 21 minutes of play. Stephen Curry was another invaluable asset, scoring 13 points and finishing with a plus-10 rating in his 25 minutes on the court.
Coach Steve Kerr opted to rest Tyrese Haliburton for this match, entrusting Derrick White to lead the second unit. The strategy paid off, as White’s leadership kept the momentum steady when the starters needed a respite.
Kevin Durant, nursing a strained calf, was sidelined and did not participate in any of the tune-up games leading into this contest. Despite his absence, Team USA demonstrated depth and versatility.
Germany's Valiant Effort
Germany gave the Americans a run for their money, particularly in the late third quarter, when they went on a 16-4 run that momentarily shifted the game's momentum. Franz Wagner led the German effort with 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals. His brother, Moe Wagner, also made significant contributions, scoring 12 points and grabbing seven rebounds in just 14 minutes of action.
Dennis Schroder was the playmaker for Germany, dishing out 10 assists that kept his team within striking distance throughout the game. Germany's strategy of attempting 43 three-pointers bore fruit as they converted 13 of them, keeping the pressure on Team USA.
Shooting Woes
While Team USA managed to secure the win, their performance from beyond the arc was less than stellar. Shooting only 6 for 17 from three-point range, it was clear that they have areas to improve upon as they head into more challenging fixtures.
Looking Ahead
Team USA will now turn their focus to Serbia, whom they are set to face in their first game of group play at the 2024 Olympics. The match is scheduled for Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET. With stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Joel Embiid showing strong form, the team is poised to make a deep run in the tournament, provided they can iron out the kinks in their shooting and maintain their defensive intensity.
Germany, fresh off their semifinal appearance in the FIBA World Cup last September, demonstrated they are a team to be reckoned with. Their spirited performance against one of the world's premier basketball teams underscores their potential to make a significant impact in the upcoming Olympic games.
As both teams look to fine-tune their strategies and improve their execution, the stage is set for an exhilarating basketball competition. With the Olympic spotlight now shining brightly, every game promises to be a showcase of skill, athleticism, and national pride.