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.
Swept the Showcase.
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 22, 2024
🇺🇸 #USABMNT pic.twitter.com/EN9pkUdaOa
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.
LeBron James TOOK OVER down the stretch in #USABMNT's win against Germany 🇺🇸
— NBA (@NBA) July 22, 2024
👑 20 PTS (11 in 4Q)
👑 6 REB
👑 4 AST
👑 8-11 FGM pic.twitter.com/uCX2DDzWeU
[ALSO READ: LeBron James saves the day as Team USA comes back to beat South Sudan in USA Basketball Showcase]
Germany led entering the fourth at 71-68 and took a one-point lead, 82-81, with under four minutes left in the game.
Then, LeClutch happened.
Joel Embiid found a cutting James, who sliced through the lane for a dunk to put the Americans ahead again, 83-82 with 3:57 left.
The four-time NBA champion then muscled his way inside for a tough lay before two free throws padded Team USA’s lead to five points at 87-82.
LEBRON JAMES TAKEOVER 👑
— NBA (@NBA) July 22, 2024
Back-to-back buckets for King James down the stretch!
USA-Germany | 📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/j9OwzDLcZt
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.
BIG TIME 3. 👑
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 22, 2024
🇺🇸 #USABMNT x 📺 @FoxSports pic.twitter.com/gfugvJKjIY
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.
Sealed the deal. 💼
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 22, 2024
11 pts in the final 4 min from the King. pic.twitter.com/pPlKBcZvfm
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.
LeBron James was UNSTOPPABLE in the 4Q of #USABMNT's win 👑🇺🇸
— NBA (@NBA) July 22, 2024
11 PTS | 3 REB | 1 STL | 4-4 FGM pic.twitter.com/GxW15SphZI
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.
LeBron James' 4Q buckets and USA's lockdown defense were enough to hold off Germany 👑🔒...
— NBA (@NBA) July 22, 2024
BEST PLAYS from #USABMNT's win ?? pic.twitter.com/Fd3y11pR7U
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.
