In a thrilling conclusion to their pre-Olympic exhibition tour, Team USA narrowly defeated Germany 92-88 at London’s O2 Arena on Monday night. This victory marks the end of an undefeated 5-0 run in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the U.S. men’s basketball team will be vying for their fifth consecutive gold medal.
Key Takeaways:
- Team USA finishes pre-Olympic tour with a perfect 5-0 record
- LeBron James scores final 11 points, secures win against Germany
- Close games provide valuable preparation for Olympic competition
LeBron James: Clutch Performer and Flagbearer
LeBron James, recently announced as one of Team USA’s flagbearers for the Opening Ceremony, stepped up in dramatic fashion. The 39-year-old NBA veteran scored the final 11 points for the Americans, showcasing his clutch performance for the second time in as many games. James finished with a game-high 20 points, along with six rebounds and four assists.
“It was a good test for us. And I’m glad we were able to once again keep our composure, persevere like we did the other day versus South Sudan” James said. “It was a good win for us.”
Team USA’s Olympic Preparation
Recent Exhibition Wins:
- Defeated Germany 92-88 in London
- Overcame South Sudan 101-100 in London
- Beat Serbia and Australia in Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Victorious against Canada in Las Vegas
Players’ Performance
| Player | Points |
|---|---|
| LeBron James | 20 |
| Joel Embiid | 15 |
| Stephen Curry | 13 |
| Anthony Edwards | 11 |
Team USA shot an impressive 49.28% from the field, outpacing Germany’s 35.8%.
Germany’s Strong Challenge
Germany, the reigning World Cup champions, provided stiff competition:
- Franz Wagner: 18 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals
- Andreas Obst: 14 points
- Dennis Schroder: 13 points, 10 assists
US Team Olympic Schedule
Team USA’s Group C schedule in Lille:
- July 28: vs. Serbia
- July 31: vs. South Sudan
- August 3: vs. Puerto Rico
Knockout rounds in Paris:
- Quarterfinals: August 6
- Semifinals: August 8
- Gold Medal Game: August 10 at Accor Arena
Team USA’s Outlook
With a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, Team USA appears ready for the Olympic challenge. However, the close games in their exhibition tour suggest tough competition ahead.
“We’ve had every experience,” Stephen Curry remarked. “Now it’s obviously a matter of showing up when the lights are bright next week. I think we’re ready. I think we’re prepared. Now we have to perform.”
