Two days after a tense showdown with South Sudan, Team USA returned to the O2 Arena in London, squaring off against Germany in an international basketball friendly that was anything but a casual affair. It was a clash that saw the Americans pushed to their limits before finally eking out a 92-88 victory, thanks in large part to the heroics of LeBron James.
LeBron James Leads the Charge
LeBron James delivered a clutch performance, scoring the United States' final 11 points and sealing the game. Displaying his trademark poise under pressure, James finished with a team-high 20 points, shooting an impressive 8-for-11 from the field. In addition to his scoring burst, he contributed six rebounds and four assists in just 20 minutes of play, showcasing his all-around game.
The game remained neck-and-neck until the final moments. Germany had clawed their way to a one-point lead with less than five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. That’s when James took over, reminding everyone why he’s considered one of the greatest ever to play the game.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
While James was the star of the show, he wasn't alone in his efforts. Joel Embiid added 15 points on 5-for-8 shooting to go along with eight rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block in 21 minutes. Embiid's versatility on both ends of the floor provided Team USA with a much-needed boost.
Stephen Curry also had a notable performance, contributing 13 points and earning a plus-10 rating in his 25 minutes on the court. Curry's shooting and playmaking were pivotal in spacing the floor and keeping the German defense on its toes.
Coach Steve Kerr opted for a strategic rotation, choosing to rest Tyrese Haliburton and handing the leadership of the second unit to Derrick White. The move allowed White to bring fresh energy and control, facilitating smooth ball movement and defensive cohesiveness.
German Tenacity
Germany, fresh off a semifinal appearance in the FIBA World Cup last September, showed why they’re considered a formidable opponent. Franz Wagner led their effort with a noteworthy performance, scoring 18 points, grabbing seven rebounds, dishing out four assists, and recording three steals. Wagner’s all-around game kept the German side competitive throughout.
Dennis Schroder, another key contributor, displayed his playmaking skills, ending the game with 10 assists. Moe Wagner supplemented the effort by adding 12 points and seven rebounds in just 14 minutes of play, demonstrating the German depth.
Germany nearly turned the tide with a 16-4 run in the late third quarter, putting significant pressure on Team USA. Their aggressive three-point shooting strategy saw them attempt 43 shots from beyond the arc, converting 13, which kept the game within their grasp until the very end.
Shooting Struggles and Looking Ahead
Despite the win, Team USA showed some vulnerabilities, particularly from beyond the arc, shooting just 6-for-17 on three-point attempts. This is an area that will likely need improvement as they prepare for tougher opposition in upcoming games.
Kevin Durant was notably absent due to a strained calf and hasn't featured in any of the tune-up games, leaving a significant gap in the rotation. His return will be eagerly anticipated as the team heads into their first game of group play at the 2024 Olympics against Serbia on Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET.
With the likes of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Joel Embiid on the roster, Team USA remains a formidable force. However, as demonstrated by Germany’s resilience, the path to Olympic glory will be far from a walk in the park. The Americans will need to address their shooting inconsistencies and continue to build chemistry if they hope to achieve their ultimate goal.