LeBron James clutch once again in Team USA men's basketball Paris 2024 tune-up win over Germany

Finding themselves in another tightly contested tune-up game before the Olympic Games Paris 2024, Monday 22 July at the O2 Arena in London, LeBron James once again willed Team USA’s men’s basketball team over the finish line for a 92-88 win over the 2023 FIBA World Cup winner, Germany.

The oldest member of Team USA was his country’s leading scorer, dropping 20 points, while shooting an efficient 8-11 from the field, including an array of clutch buckets. Joel Embiid also added 15 points of his own. Germany was led by 18 points from Franz Wagner and 15 points from sharpshooter Andreas Obst.

Team USA, seeking its fifth consecutive men’s basketball gold medal at the Games, was undefeated in their five tune-up games despite a few close calls.

Team USA holds off experienced German squad

Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker, James and Embiid started together for the third time in Team USA's tune-up series. Kevin Durant did not appear in any of the warm up games but there remains optimism he will return to the lineup come Paris as he recovers from a calf strain.

From the opening tip, the United States cohesiveness was drastically improved compared to their last appearance. James set this tone early, slamming down a reverse dunk off a threaded outlet pass from Embiid for the first points of the game. Team USA shot a scorching 58.8% from the field in the first quarter and their defense was equally impressive, holding Germany to 30.4% shooting including a highlight-reel block from Anthony Davis.

Germany was able to battle their way back into the game as Team USA’s offense slowed in the second quarter but the United States immediately responded with a late second quarter push featuring an astounding, two way sequence. Embiid elevated to reject an Isaac Bonga dunk attempt, the ball was then picked up by Anthony Edwards who sprinted the other way in transition before flying down the lane for a right-handed dunk. Team USA led by seven at halftime.

Team USA’s offensive inconsistencies popped up again in the third quarter as Germany chipped away at their lead behind tight defense and an impressive shotmaking display. The two teams traded baskets down the stretch of the quarter, including a pair of threes by Obst and Wagner that helped Germany maintain momentum. The defending FIBA World Champions led by three entering the fourth.

Both teams exchanged the lead several times early in the quarter before Team USA briefly found separation once again. Following a stop on the defensive end, Curry threw a behind-the-back pass to Booker who floated in an and-one, left-handed layup from a near impossible to give the U.S. a three-point lead.

James also had an important stretch in the final minutes, bookending two pivotal baskets with a clutch steal. A few moments later, after Germany cut the lead to just one point, he knocked down a right-wing three before bullying his way inside for a contested layup. James added a couple free throws and another well-defended layup as Team USA closed out the victory. Another strong performance by Team USA's oldest player came shortly after the announcement that he will be the United States' male flagbearer at the Paris 2024 opening ceremony.

Team USA, finishing its five tune-up games undefeated, will now head to Paris before tipping off group play against Nikola Jokic and Serbia on 28 July.