LeBron James once again guided the men’s basketball team of Team USA to a 92-88 victory over Germany, the 2023 FIBA World Cup champion, in a closely contested tune-up game at the O2 Arena in London on Monday, July 22, in preparation for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The oldest member of Team USA was the top scorer for his country, scoring 20 points and shooting an efficient 8-11 from the field. This performance included a variety of clutch goals. And Joel Embiid contributed 15 points of his own. Franz Wagner scored 18 points, while Andreas Obst contributed 15 points.

Despite a few near calls, Team USA was undefeated in their five tune-up games as it pursued its fifth consecutive men’s basketball gold medal at the Games.For the third time in Team USA’s tune-up series, Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker, James, and Embiid began the game together. Although Kevin Durant did not participate in any of the warm-up games, there is still hope that he will be able to return to the lineup in Paris as he recovers from a calf strain.

The United States’ cohesiveness was significantly enhanced in comparison to their previous appearance, as evidenced by the opening assist. James established the tone from the outset by performing a reverse dunk off a woven outlet pass from Embiid, which resulted in the first points of the game. The first quarter saw Team USA fire an impressive 58.8% from the field, while their defense was equally impressive, limiting Germany to a mere 30.4% shooting. Anthony Davis’ highlight-reel block was a standout moment.

As Team USA’s offense slowed in the second quarter, Germany was able to fight their way back into the game. However, the United States promptly responded with a late second quarter push that featured an astonishing, two-way sequence. The ball was subsequently recovered by Anthony Edwards, who sprinted the opposite direction in transition before flying down the lane for a right-handed dunk. Embiid elevated to deny an Isaac Bonga dunk attempt. At the halfway point, Team USA maintained a seven-point advantage.

In the third quarter, Germany’s impressive shotmaking display and compact defense allowed them to chip away at Team USA’s lead, again revealing their offensive inconsistencies. Throughout the final quarter, the two teams exchanged baskets, with Obst and Wagner contributing to Germany’s momentum with a pair of three-pointers. The fourth quarter saw the defending FIBA World Champions maintain a three-point lead.

Throughout the initial stages of the quarter, the lead was exchanged between the two teams before Team USA momentarily regained it. After a defensive stop, Curry threw a behind-the-back pass to Booker, who scored a and-one, left-handed layup from a near impossible position, giving the United States a three-point lead.

James also had a significant stretch in the final minutes, concluding two pivotal baskets with a crucial steal. A few moments later, after Germany reduced the lead to a mere one point, he made a contested layup by bullying his way inside after sinking a right-wing three. James contributed a pair of free throws and another well-defended layup as Team USA secured the victory. The oldest athlete on Team USA delivered another impressive performance shortly after it was announced that he would serve as the male flagbearer for the United States at the Paris 2024 opening ceremony.

After completing its five tune-up games undefeated, Team USA will proceed to Paris before commencing group play against Nikola Jokic and Serbia on July 28.