Team USA Overcomes Germany in Pre-Olympic Thriller
Two days after a tense encounter with South Sudan, Team USA returned to action in the O2 Arena in London, taking on Germany in a pre-Olympic tune-up game. The highly-anticipated matchup did not disappoint, showcasing a hard-fought battle that ultimately saw the United States edge out Germany with a 92-88 victory.
LeBron James Leads the Charge
LeBron James was the undisputed star of the night, delivering a masterful performance that saw him score the final 11 points for the United States. James ended the game with a team-high 20 points on an impressive 8-for-11 shooting, underscoring his clutch performance. His stat line was rounded out by six rebounds and four assists in just 20 minutes of play.
Taking charge in the final four minutes, James showcased his ability to perform under pressure, ensuring that Team USA secured a hard-fought victory against a resilient German side.
Supporting Cast Shines
While LeBron James stole the show, he was far from the only contributor to the victory. Joel Embiid provided a strong presence in the paint, adding 15 points on 5-for-8 shooting along with eight rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block in 21 minutes. Embiid’s versatility and dominance on both ends of the floor bolstered the U.S. effort.
Stephen Curry also made his mark, contributing 13 points and posting a plus-10 rating in his 25 minutes on the court. The integration of Curry’s sharpshooting complemented the driving and inside presence exhibited by James and Embiid, providing a balanced attack that kept Germany off guard.
Coach Steve Kerr opted to rest Tyrese Haliburton, and Derrick White effectively led the second unit in his absence. This rotation allowed Team USA to maintain a high level of intensity throughout the game.
German Resilience
Germany was not without its moments of brilliance. The German squad surged forward with a 16-4 run late in the third quarter, taking a one-point lead with less than five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Franz Wagner spearheaded the effort with an all-around performance, tallying 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
Dennis Schroder orchestrated the German offense masterfully, finishing the game with 10 assists, while Moe Wagner contributed 12 points and seven rebounds in just 14 minutes of play. Despite falling short, Germany demonstrated the depth and talent that has seen them make significant strides in international competitions, including a semifinal appearance in the FIBA World Cup last September.
Shooting Struggles
A notable aspect of the game was the contrasting shooting efficacy from beyond the arc. Team USA converted just 6 of their 17 three-point attempts, while Germany was far more prolific, attempting 43 three-pointers and converting 13 of them. This disparity highlighted Germany's reliance on the three-point shot but also underscored the United States' superior efficiency in their overall offensive execution.
Looking Ahead
As Team USA continues its preparation for the upcoming Olympics, the victory against Germany serves as a crucial confidence booster. With an opening game against Serbia set for Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET, the team will look to build on their current momentum. Missing key player Kevin Durant, who has been sidelined with a strained calf, has not deterred the U.S. team's focus and determination.
The current roster, including stalwarts like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Joel Embiid, suggests that Team USA is well-equipped to navigate the challenges ahead and make a strong run for Olympic glory.
Overall, the clash with Germany provided invaluable insights and highlighted areas for improvement. It set the stage for what promises to be an exciting journey for Team USA in the 2024 Olympics.