ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JULY 15: LeBron James #6 of the United States walks the court during the first half of an exhibition game between the United States and Australia ahead of the Paris Olympic Games at Etihad Arena on July 15, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Christopher Pike/Getty Images)
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.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!
A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.
LIV Golf has now ended. The league met in New Jersey bankruptcy court; it took…
Victor Wembanyama earned the MVP chants that he received from fans at the Frost Bank…
After retiring from the NFL earlier this year, former QB Russell Wilson has reportedly interviewed…
Cristiano Ronaldo announced that he is retiring from the Portugal national team, ending one of…
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has been placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Watson was…
The Buffalo Bills have released safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson after serving a one-game suspension for spitting…