Team USA Edges Out Germany in London Thriller
Two days after a showdown with South Sudan, Team USA traveled to London to face a formidable German squad at the O2 Arena. In what turned out to be a nail-biter of a game, LeBron James took charge in the closing moments to secure a 92-88 victory for the Americans.
James was nothing short of spectacular, scoring the United States' final 11 points. He ended the game with a team-high 20 points on an impressive 8-for-11 shooting performance. In addition to his scoring prowess, James contributed six rebounds and four assists, all within a succinct 20 minutes of play. It was in the final four minutes that James truly took over, reinforcing his reputation as one of the game’s clutch performers.
Helping shoulder the load was Joel Embiid, who added 15 points on 5-for-8 shooting. Embiid also pulled down eight rebounds, dished out five assists, nabbed a steal, and registered a block in his 21 minutes on the court. Not to be outdone, Stephen Curry chipped in with 13 points and boasted a plus-10 rating in his 25 minutes of action.
From the bench, Coach Steve Kerr opted to rest Tyrese Haliburton, entrusting Derrick White to lead the second unit. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant was sidelined due to a strained calf, missing all tune-up games to date. This gave more responsibility to the remaining stars, who did not disappoint.
Germany presented a formidable challenge, demonstrating their resilience throughout the contest. Led by Franz Wagner’s 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals, the German squad revealed its potential and prowess on the international stage. Dennis Schroder orchestrated the offense with impeccable playmaking, ending the game with 10 assists. Moe Wagner also made a significant impact, contributing 12 points and seven rebounds in just 14 minutes of play.
The turning point came late in the third quarter when Germany mounted a 16-4 run, cutting into Team USA's lead. With less than five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Germany even took a one-point lead, putting the pressure squarely on the American team. However, it was LeBron James who stepped up in those critical moments to reclaim control of the game.
Shooting from beyond the arc was a mixed bag for Team USA, who went 6 for 17 on three-point attempts against Germany. The Germans, on the other hand, attempted a staggering 43 three-pointers, converting 13 of them. It was a strategy that kept them within striking distance throughout the contest but ultimately fell short against the American side.
Looking ahead, Team USA is set to face Serbia in their first game of group play at the 2024 Olympics. The match is scheduled for Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET.
The current Team USA roster, boasting stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Joel Embiid, has shown its strength and depth despite some key absences. Germany's performance, following their semifinal appearance in the FIBA World Cup last September, demonstrates that they should not be underestimated in future matchups.
As the journey toward Olympic glory continues, fans can expect more electrifying performances and tightly contested games that showcase the best of international basketball competition.