On Friday, LeBron James will carry the U.S. flag. But before that, he led the U.S. men’s basketball team once again.
James scored the last 11 points as the Americans held off World Cup champions Germany 92-88 in London on Monday night. This victory marked their final game before the Paris Games start later this week, where they are aiming for their fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal.
Earlier in the day, it was announced that James would be the male flagbearer for the U.S. during Friday night’s opening ceremony along the River Seine. The female flagbearer will be revealed on Tuesday.
James played a crucial role in the game against Germany, much like he did over the weekend when his layup secured a narrow 101-100 win over South Sudan with 8 seconds left on the clock. He finished the game with 20 points. Joel Embiid scored 15 points, Stephen Curry had 13, and Anthony Edwards contributed 11 points to the American victory.
“It was a good test for us. I’m pleased we were able to maintain our composure and persevere, similar to our game against South Sudan,” James commented after the match. “It was a satisfying win for us.”
Germany’s Franz Wagner led his team with 18 points, while Andreas Obst, known for his performance in last year’s World Cup semifinals against the U.S., added 14 points. Dennis Schroder had a double-double with 13 points and 10 assists, and Daniel Theis and Moritz Wagner each scored 13 and 12 points, respectively.
The Americans concluded their exhibition games with a perfect 5-0 record, though only one game was an easy win. Their next challenge will be against Serbia in their first Olympic match this summer, scheduled for Sunday.
Canada posed challenges for the U.S., Australia made a late comeback interesting, South Sudan almost caused a major upset despite being heavy underdogs, and Germany held a lead over the U.S. with 4 minutes remaining on Monday.
Then LeBron James took charge. He scored 11 points compared to Germany’s 6 in the final 3:57 minutes. Next up, the focus shifts to Paris. The real games start this weekend.
“We’ve seen it all,” Curry commented. “Now it’s about stepping up when it counts under the bright lights next week. I believe we’re ready. I believe we’re prepared. Now it’s time to deliver.”
