Still no Kevin Durant for the United States' last warm-up match against reigning world champion Germany. And despite Jrue Holiday's 3-pointers, the starting five still have a rhythm problem…
Germany took advantage but the entry of Steve Kerr's substitutes did Team USA some good, responding with a 21-4 run to regain the lead (29-19) at the end of the first quarter.
US torn apart by German shooters
As against South Sudan, the American team leaves openings in the axis of the basket, the rotations being too slow to return. Joel Embiid still places a huge block on Isaac Bonga, which Anthony Edwards improves on the other side. And Team USA is still in the lead (48-41) at halftime, without managing to take off.
On the contrary, the “Mannschaft” continues to hurt its opponent after the break, spreading the game as much as possible to force Joel Embiid to cover as much ground as possible defensively. It shoots quickly, it throws itself at the offensive rebound, and Steve Kerr very quickly calls a time-out to try to remind some principles…
Joel Embiid and LeBron James make two 3-pointers that do the United States some good, but so does Andreas Obst, with the foul as a bonus, and Germany takes the lead.
LeBron James scores his team's last 11 points
Steve Kerr is forced to tighten up the game with mobile groups, but it is especially LeBron James who will take charge of avoiding a disappointment for Team USA. The “King” takes things in hand and imposes his physicality. And if Dennis Schröder against a clumsy Stephen Curry, it is still the oldest player in the game who makes the difference in the “money time”. Whether it is at 3-pointers or by getting closer, the American flag bearer is the boss!
This allows the United States to finish this preparation with a fifth victory in five matches (92-88) but Germany and South Sudan have clearly shown that the American “Avengers” are far from invincible.
Even if they still finish this preparation with five victories in as many outings…
