With the game on the line once more for Team USA, almost everybody knows who the ball is going to--LeBron James.
For the second straight tune-up game, Team USA found itself in a close game down the stretch--this time against world champion Germany.
Again, LeBron James took over.
James, who was named as USA’s men’s flag bearer for Paris 2024 earlier, rescued the Americans anew as he scored the team’s final 11 points in a 92-88 comeback win over the Germans, 92-88, to close out their pre-Olympic tour undefeated at 5-0.
The NBA’s all-time leading scorer came through when needed the most yet again, as James scored a game-winning lay-up in Team USA’s 101-100 win over upstart South Sudan in their last outing.
After Germany scored back-to-back to cut the deficit to a single point, James hit a dagger triple from the right wing and gave the Americans some breathing room, 90-86, with 1:26 seconds left.
After the triple, James unleashed his trademark muscular shoulder shrug and went on to cap a personal 11-point spurt with a lay-up, 92-86.
In the span of less than four minutes of the final frame, LeBron grabbed three defensive rebounds, came up with a steal and made two layups, a dunk, a clutch trey and two free throws.
He finished with 20 points, six rebounds, and four assists while Embiid added 15 markers and Stephen Curry had 13.
Anthony Edwards contributed 11 while Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday had 10 points apiece to round up six American players in double-figures.
The win was the Americans fifth in as many exhibition matches and now, Paris awaits where the games start for real.
“We’ve had every experience,” Curry said of the five USA Basketball Showcase games.
“It doesn’t matter, obviously showing up when the lights are bright. I think we’re ready, I think we’re prepared. It’s just we have to perform and that’s obviously the challenge.
Meanwhile, Franz Wagner led the reigning world champions with 18 points as Andreas had 14.
Reigning FIBA World Cup MVP Dennis Schroder tallied a double-double outing of 13 markers and 10 dimes, while Daniel Theis added 13 and Moritz Wagner scored 12.
Germany, who trailed 19-29 after one, overcame a poor start and managed to snatch the lead and pulled within 42-39 with a Franz 3-pointer.
They even pulled back and forth in taking the lead against the Americans in the third frame before eventually succumbing to the four-time Olympic gold medalists.
The Germans will open their Olympic campaign against Japan in Group B action on Saturday, July 27.
Story Summary:
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LeBron James led Team USA to a 92-88 comeback win over Germany, scoring the team's final 11 points to maintain an undefeated 5-0 record in their pre-Olympic tour.
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James, named as USA's men’s flag bearer for Paris 2024, delivered a clutch performance with 20 points, six rebounds, and four assists, including a game-winning layup and a crucial three-pointer in the final minutes.
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Germany held a narrow lead entering the fourth quarter, but Team USA's strong defense and contributions from players like Joel Embiid, Stephen Curry, and Anthony Davis secured the victory, setting the stage for their Olympic campaign in Paris.
[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital team. The summary was generated by AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]