Clutch LeBron James helps USA beat Germany in London
LeBron James took over in the clutch to lead Team USA to a 92-88 win over Germany, their last Olympic warm-up game of which they won all five.
Germany led going into the fourth quarter, their highest scorer Franz Wagner with 18, but it was once again the 39-year-old Laker that Team USA relied on down the stretch.
After a 20-point night, James said: “We got better, that is what’s most important. We were tested by a great Germany team. I am glad we were able to once again keep our composure and persevere like we did. It was a good win for us.”
Just as he did against South Sudan, James started off proceedings with a crowd-engaging slam like the true showman he is.
Team USA started the game much better than their previous outing, Jrue Holiday managing to drain two threes in a row in the first quarter.
There was even some early defensive intensity as both Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo swatted away German attacks at the basket.
Steve Kerr brought in the entire second unit containing Bam and AD seven minutes in and they saw the quarter out with a 10-point lead.
More highlight plays followed as James chased down ex-teammate Dennis Schroder, leading to a Steph Curry three – his only of the night.
Defense led to offense again when Joel Embiid blocked an Isaac Bonga dunk attempt, only for Anthony Edwards to throw down on the resulting fast-break.
Germany came out in the second half with intent, outscoring USA by 10 in the third quarter to go up by three and leave the game in the balance.
It was with three minutes 20 seconds left that LeBron James decided to make the game his own.
This wasn’t just an offensive masterclass but an all-round domination of the clutch as he came up with big rebounds, buckets, a steal and drew fouls.
James said: “We got a great group of guys. It doesn’t matter if it’s me Joel Embiid, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant when he comes back, Anthony Edwards, Anthony Davis, everybody is going to have their moment. That’s what a team is all about, we are all rooting for one another.”
“Everybody is going to have their moment” – LeBron James on Team USA
He will be USA’s flag bearer at the Olympics and has carried the weight of his team in both matches at the O2 Arena, London.
“World champions of what?” said American sprinter Noah Lyles, referring to the tendency of American basketball league (NBA) champions to call themselves ‘world champions’ due to the league being known as the world’s best.
Well tonight, Team USA beat the 2023 FIBA World Cup champions to complete a perfect record in their Olympic warm-up games.
Oh, and by the way, Kevin Durant hasn’t touched the floor for Team USA in these warm-up games.
At the Olympics, he is set to return.
