Team USA Edges Germany in Thrilling Tune-Up Game
Two days after a tense showdown with South Sudan, Team USA returned to action at the O2 Arena in London, facing a formidable German squad. The game proved to be a nail-biter, with LeBron James stepping up in the clutch moments to seal a hard-fought 92-88 victory for the Americans.
LeBron James, who finished the game with a team-high 20 points on 8-for-11 shooting, was the undisputed star of the night. His performance in the last four minutes of the game exemplified his leadership and skill. James scored the United States' final 11 points, ensuring his team's comeback after Germany had taken a narrow lead.
Aside from his scoring, James also made valuable contributions on the defensive end and in playmaking, grabbing six rebounds and dishing out four assists in just 20 minutes of play. His all-around performance was instrumental in navigating a late-game surge by Germany, who went on a 16-4 run in the third quarter to close the gap.
Joel Embiid was another significant contributor for Team USA, adding 15 points on efficient 5-for-8 shooting. Embiid's presence in the paint was felt with eight rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block during his 21 minutes on the court. Stephen Curry also had a noteworthy performance, scoring 13 points and maintaining a plus-10 rating over 25 minutes.
Behind the scenes, Coach Steve Kerr made a tactical decision to rest Tyrese Haliburton, opting to have Derrick White lead the second unit. This move showcased the depth of the American roster, which still managed to overcome the absence of star player Kevin Durant, sidelined with a strained calf and yet to feature in any of the tune-up games.
Germany, on the other hand, displayed resilience and skill, taking a one-point lead with less than five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Franz Wagner led the German effort, scoring 18 points while also collecting seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals. His versatile play kept Germany in the contest, supported by Dennis Schroder, who effectively orchestrated the offense with 10 assists. Moe Wagner added 12 points and seven rebounds in just 14 minutes off the bench.
Team USA's shooting from downtown was a mixed bag, hitting just 6 of their 17 attempts from beyond the arc. In contrast, Germany fired 43 three-pointers but converted only 13. This disparity in long-range shooting highlights the competitive nature of international basketball, where teams increasingly rely on perimeter shooting.
Moving forward, Team USA is gearing up for their first game of group play at the 2024 Olympics. They will face Serbia on Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET. With a roster featuring the likes of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Joel Embiid, expectations are high for the American side as they aim for Olympic glory. Germany, coming off a strong semifinal appearance in the FIBA World Cup last September, demonstrated that they, too, are a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.
As the countdown to the Olympics continues, both teams will take valuable lessons from this exhibition clash. For now, it is Team USA who holds the upper hand, thanks to the heroics of LeBron James and a supportive cast that collectively stepped up when it mattered most.