LeBron James scored Team USA’s final 11 points during its 92-88 win over Germany during a pre-Olympics exhibition on Monday in London.
James, who was named the U.S. male flag bearer for Friday’s Olympic Opening Ceremony in Paris finished with 20 points, six rebounds and four assists.
The Americans wrapped up their pre-Olympics exhibition schedule with a 5-0 record and will begin group play on Sunday (11:15 a.m. ET) against Serbia.
Team USA looked like it had the game in control during a first quarter that saw the Americans take a 29-17 lead after finishing with a 21-6 run, but Germany chipped away and eventually took the lead following a second and third quarter where they outscored the U.S. 54-39.
The final quarter was a different story as Team USA, while overcoming some sloppy play with 14 turnovers, took control.
After Stephen Curry tied it at 75, Devin Booker worked both ends of the floor to block a shot and then drop a ridiculous layup to put the U.S. up by three.
The Germans, who knocked out Team USA in the semifinals of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, didn’t wither and held an 82-81 lead with a little over four minutes to play. That’s when James took over, hitting a dunk to take the lead for good and then later nailing a 3-pointer with 1:25 to play.
James would continue to win the battle of the boards, and his work down low in the offensive end helped give Team USA a late cushion.
Joel Embiid chipped in 15 points and eight rebounds, while Curry finished with 13 points.
Franz Wagner of the Orlando Magic led Germany with 18 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals. His brother and Magic teammate, Moritz, contributed 12 points and seven rebounds.
Monday’s win comes two days after James’ layup with eight seconds to play lifted Team USA to a 101-100 win over South Sudan. They began the pre-Olympics tour with wins over Canada, Australia and Serbia.
Team USA will now travel to Paris to continue its Olympic preparation. After beginning against Serbia on Sunday, they will then face South Sudan (July 31) and Puerto Rico (Aug. 3) to close out the group stage of the tournament.
The American men are looking for their fifth straight gold medal and eighth in the last nine Olympics.
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