Team USA Remains Unbeaten After LeBron James’ Heroics Stun Germany

Team USA prevailed in another nailbiter in preparation for the Paris Olympics – they defeated Germany 92-88 thanks to LeBron James’ fourth-quarter heroics. James scored 11 points in the final quarter to finish the match with 20 points while recording six rebounds and four assists. Within the last four minutes, King James grabbed three rebounds, forced a steal and made two layups, a three-pointer and two throws. The Lakers forward was chosen to be the USA’s flag bearer at the opening ceremonies on Friday, making him the first U.S. men’s basketball player to be given this honor.

Anthony Davis scored ten points shooting three of five from the field while recording seven rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block. Joel Embiid tacked on 15 points, eight boards, a steal and a block to provide needed insurance to the defensive effort. Stephen Curry shot one for seven from downtown despite scoring 11 points while Jrue Holiday recorded ten points on 80 percent shooting.

Germany gave the Americans a run for their money as they went on 16-4 run late in the third quarter, giving them a 71-68 going into the fourth before James’ heroics. Magic forward Franz Wagner lead his team with 18 points while his brother, Moe Wagner finished with 12 points and seven rebounds coming off the bench.

Team USA’s narrow victory over the Germans reminds them of Saturday’s contest against South Sudan, where it took a King James layup to seal the win in the final seconds – the Americans also overcame a 14-point halftime deficit and a poor three-point shooting performance to prevail. A much-needed break awaits as USA basketball will have five days off until their match against Serbia to kick-off the group stage at the Olympics.

Article by Christian Bongiorno