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LeBron James Leads Team USA to Victory Over Germany, Keeps Olympic Hopes High

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LeBron James Leads Team USA to Victory Over Germany, Keeps Olympic Hopes High
Image Credit: LeBron James

Team USA faced another tough challenge at the O2 Arena in London, just two days after a narrow escape against South Sudan. Thanks to LeBron James clutch performance in the final moments, the Americans secured a 92-88 victory over Germany. This win marks their final exhibition game before the 2024 Olympics.

LeBron James, recently named the U.S. Olympic Committee flag bearer, delivered a stellar performance with 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting, along with six rebounds and four assists in just 20 minutes. In a span of less than four minutes late in the fourth quarter, James showcased his defensive prowess and scoring ability, grabbing three defensive rebounds, making a steal, and scoring via two layups, a dunk, a three-pointer, and two free throws.

Joel Embiid contributed significantly with 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting, eight rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block in 21 minutes. Although Stephen Curry struggled with his shooting (5-for-13 from the field, 1-for-7 from three-point range), his off-ball movement created opportunities, earning him a plus-10 rating in 25 minutes.

Germany, led by Franz Wagner with 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals, made a strong push with a 16-4 run late in the third quarter. Dennis Schroder, despite shooting poorly (3-for-15, including 3-for-11 from deep), managed to penetrate the paint effectively, dishing out 10 assists. Moe Wagner added 12 points and seven rebounds off the bench.


Coach Steve Kerr opted to give Tyrese Haliburton a DNP-CD, choosing Derrick White to run the second unit. Kevin Durant, dealing with a strained calf, did not participate in any of Team USA’s tune-up games.

Team USA’s first game of group play in the Olympics is scheduled against Serbia on Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET.

Defensive Emphasis

Following the close call against South Sudan, Coach Kerr emphasized the need for improved defense and effort. While the team’s performance against Germany wasn’t flawless, they displayed sharper defense and numerous highlight plays from defensive stops leading to offensive opportunities. Notable moments included James’ reverse dunk off a pass from Embiid and an alley-oop from Jrue Holiday to James, all occurring in the first half.

The takeaway for Team USA is clear: they must dominate on defense and in transition to avoid relying heavily on half-court offense, where decision-making remains a work in progress. Kerr’s choice to prioritize defensive intensity by playing White over Haliburton underscores this focus.

Three-Point Shooting Disparity

A concerning aspect of the game was the three-point shooting disparity. Team USA shot 6-for-17 from deep, while Germany attempted 43 three-pointers, making 13. Germany’s strategy to force the Americans into long twos and floaters proved effective. Moving forward, Team USA needs to generate more catch-and-shoot opportunities and improve their three-point shooting efficiency to avoid similar issues in future games.

The Road Ahead

Despite the abundance of talent on the roster, Team USA learned that skill alone doesn’t guarantee victory. The recent exhibition games highlighted the potential challenges ahead, emphasizing the need for cohesive play and strategic adjustments. While they remain favorites for Olympic gold, the narrow victories serve as a reminder that they must stay focused and prepared for tough competition. For fans, these competitive games promise exciting and closely contested matchups in the upcoming Olympics.

Eric

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