Two days after a decisive showdown with South Sudan, Team USA returned to the O2 Arena in London to square off against Germany. This high-stakes clash saw star players step up and deliver, with LeBron James leading the charge in securing a 92-88 victory for the Americans.
LeBron Lights Up in the Clutch
LeBron James proved once again why he's considered one of the greatest of all time, scoring the United States' final 11 points in a thrilling finish. LeBron ended the game with a team-high 20 points, impressively shooting 8-for-11 from the field. His performance was not limited to scoring, as he also contributed six rebounds and four assists in just 20 minutes on the court. It was in the final four minutes, however, where James truly took over, showcasing his prowess in clutch situations.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
While LeBron stole the spotlight, Joel Embiid and Stephen Curry provided pivotal support. Embiid added 15 points on efficient 5-for-8 shooting, and he also grabbed eight rebounds and dished out five assists. His all-around performance was capped by a steal and a block in 21 minutes of play, making him a crucial presence on both ends of the floor. Curry, on the other hand, contributed 13 points and posted a plus-10 rating during his 25 minutes, solidifying his impact on the game.
Key Decisions and Missing Stars
Team coach Steve Kerr made strategic decisions that influenced the game’s dynamics. Choosing to rest Tyrese Haliburton, Kerr entrusted Derrick White to lead the second unit. Meanwhile, the team felt the absence of Kevin Durant, who was sidelined with a strained calf and did not feature in any of the tune-up games, potentially influencing Team USA's rhythm and rotations.
Germany's Strong Showing
Germany demonstrated resilience and tenacity, especially during a late third-quarter surge. The Germans went on a 16-4 run, taking a one-point lead with less than five minutes left in the fourth quarter. Franz Wagner led Germany's effort with a standout performance, logging 18 points along with seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Dennis Schroder further orchestrated the German offense, finishing the game with 10 assists, while Moe Wagner added valuable contributions with 12 points and seven rebounds in just 14 minutes of play.
Shooting Struggles and Triumphs
Despite the victory, Team USA's shooting from beyond the arc left much to be desired. The team shot a mere 6-for-17 from three-point range. Conversely, Germany relied heavily on long-range shots, attempting 43 three-pointers and converting 13 of them. This disparity in three-point shooting created high tension and a tightly contested affair throughout the game.
Looking Ahead
With this win, Team USA shifts its focus to the upcoming group play at the 2024 Olympics. Their first game will be against Serbia on Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET. The current roster, featuring heavyweights like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Joel Embiid, will aim to build on their recent performances and look to assert dominance on the Olympic stage.
Germany, having made a semifinal appearance in the FIBA World Cup last September, will take valuable lessons from this game, showcasing that they are a formidable team capable of challenging top-tier opponents.
The intensity of international basketball was on full display in London, setting the stage for what promises to be an enthralling Olympic campaign for both teams.