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The United States men’s national basketball team faced a tense showdown in their final pre-Olympic game against Germany, and it was LeBron James who ensured Team USA emerged victorious.
In a dramatic finish, James scored 11 points in the last four minutes, leading the Americans to a 92-88 win on Monday. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer sparked the comeback with a dunk, giving Team USA an 83-82 lead with under four minutes remaining. He followed it up with a steal and a quick conversion, extending the lead to 85-82.
James continued his clutch performance by sinking two free throws after being fouled on a defensive rebound, pushing the lead to five points. Despite Germany’s four-point run, which narrowed the gap to one point with 1:43 left, James answered with a crucial 3-pointer, making it 90-86. Another defensive stop by the U.S. allowed James to drive into the paint for his final basket, securing a 92-86 lead with 45 seconds to go. Germany only managed one more basket, with just a second remaining on the clock.
James finished the game as the top scorer with 20 points, shooting an impressive 8-of-11 from the field. He also contributed six rebounds, four assists, a steal, and a block, showcasing his all-around prowess.
The victory marked a significant day for James, who was also named the men’s flag bearer for Team USA in the upcoming Olympics’ opening ceremony, becoming the first U.S. men’s basketball player to receive this honor.
Team USA concluded its exhibition series with a perfect 5-0 record. However, they had to fight hard for their last two wins, including a narrow victory over South Sudan on Saturday. Despite these close calls, Team USA remains the favorite to win the gold medal in men’s basketball at the 2024 Summer Olympics. They will kick off their Olympic campaign against Serbia on Sunday, a team they defeated 105-79 in a recent exhibition match.
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