The USA men’s basketball team had to stage another fourth-quarter comeback during its preparations for the Olympic Games, eking past Germany with a 92-88 victory. Following Saturday’s last-gasp win against South Sudan, Team USA had to fight deep into the game once more, this time against a determined Germany team. Yet again, it was LeBron James who led the late charge, securing Team USA’s fifth consecutive win during the USA Basketball Showcase.

Showtime

In front of a sold-out O2 Arena in southeast London, the US got off to a flying start, determined to improve on its previous game’s performance. Among the 19,177 fans in attendance, jerseys from all around the world created a vibrant atmosphere, eagerly anticipating the showdown.

‘King James’ got the scoring underway in typical fashion. On a fast break, the four-time MVP threw down a thunderous dunk, igniting the crowd. Moments later, James followed with another electrifying alley-oop slam from a pass by Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday.

The US took a 29-19 lead after the first quarter, with the game seemingly headed in one direction. Germany attempted to rally in the second quarter, but Team USA ended the period strongly. The crowd erupted as James emphatically blocked a Dennis Schröder layup before Steph Curry hit a three-pointer at the opposite end.

New Team USA members then joined the fray. Joel Embiid put up a huge block before first-time Olympian Anthony Edwards raced down the floor, taking off for a spectacular slam. The four-time defending Olympic gold medalists headed into the break with momentum and a 48-41 lead.

A Second-Half Scare

Germany, however, came out of halftime with renewed vigor, propelling themselves into the lead with an incredible third quarter. The German fans, rejuvenated, cheered every point, rebound, and hustle, creating a cauldron-like atmosphere inside the arena. Outscoring the USA 30-20, Germany went into the fourth quarter with a 71-68 lead.

But, as he has done throughout his career, James stepped up in the clutch. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer put up 11 points in the fourth quarter, securing the win for his team and continuing their unbeaten streak in the lead-up to Paris. James ended the game with a high of 20 points, six rebounds, and four assists.

“Somebody named LeBron James made some pretty good plays at the end,” Germany head coach Gordon Herbert said postgame.

While the US won, it was far from a vintage performance. James noted the team’s improvements, saying, “We got better tonight and that’s most important. We was tested by a great Germany team, they was world champion last year, so it was a good test for us. I’m glad we was able to, once again, keep our composure, persevere like we did the other day versus South Sudan. It was a good win for us.”

In a surprise message, Lakers head coach JJ Redick praised James’s performance, stating, “LeBron’s resilience and ability to step up when it matters most is what sets him apart. His leadership on and off the court continues to inspire the team. We’re all proud of what he brings to the game.”

As the USA team heads into the Olympics in Paris, they hope these improvements continue. Their first game will be against Serbia on July 28, followed by matches against South Sudan and Puerto Rico in the group stage. The US men’s team aims to win its fifth consecutive gold medal in Paris.