LONDON (Great Britain) - The last time Germany and USA Basketball faced each other, Manila witnessed one of the greatest upsets in recent times. Gordon Herbert's team experienced an incredible night at the Mall of Asia Arena, winning 113-111 against a full NBA roster in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Semi-Finals.
Less than a year later, the World Champions faced off once again against Steve Kerr's team in a friendly game in London, preparing for the Paris Olympic Games. USA Basketball got its revenge, winning 92-88.
The story of the game
Out of today's Olympic 12-man roster on the American side, only Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton directly experienced what it meant to face an in-form Andreas Obst last year.
The German sharpshooter left Team USA helpless in the Philippines, running around the perimeter, coming off screens, and erupting from deep. His 24 points were crucial in booking Germany’s ticket to last year's final, and his approach in London looked very similar.
Right after a ferocious tomahawk dunk by LeBron James opened the encounter, Andreas Obst quickly responded with his signature three-point shots. However, USA Basketball had learned to approach the game better compared to their previous matches against Serbia and South Sudan.
USA Basketball took control of the action from midway through the first quarter to the start of the second, finishing the first ten minutes with a 21-6 run.
The second quarter was a spectacle at the O2 Arena in London, featuring LeBron James-Steph Curry connections, blocks from Anthony Davis, Bam Adebayo, and Joel Embiid, and an offensive show from Anthony Edwards.
Germany answered back in the third quarter, even going up by two possessions (66-60) heading into the fourth and final quarter. A 3+1 play by Andreas Obst brought back memories of their previous encounter in Asia for USA Basketball's coaching staff.
The final ten minutes of this highly anticipated clash were all about balance. Steph Curry brought USA Basketball back within two points (73-71) with a dazzling layup as the quarter approached its midpoint, followed by a huge and-one by Devin Booker.
Germany answered with Dennis Schroder and its versatile frontcourt, but LeBron James, celebrating being named flag bearer of Team USA, aimed to add another victory on the road to the Seine. Responding to a German alley-oop between Dennis Schroder and Daniel Theis, LeBron hit a dagger three-pointer to create separation and drove to the rim with ease. This effort translated into yet another victory for Team USA.
Player of the Game
LeBron James is the standout for USA Basketball. It's impressive, considering he's not only the oldest to ever wear the National Team jersey but also a 39-year-old powerhouse.
Named Team USA's flag bearer, he celebrated with a win over Germany, contributing crucial shots down the stretch and closing with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.
His energy, control, and will were inspirational. For now, he's the one with the ball in his hands when it matters most—a true leader. He already was that man against South Sudan.
Stats of the Game
Seven blocks in a 40-minute game are impressive, especially when conceding only two to the opponents. This highlights how well USA Basketball can defend at the rim. With Joel Embiid providing a defensive presence in the paint from the starting five, and the backcourt duo of Bam Adebayo and Anthony Davis, they can secure their basket defensively, even at the Olympic Games.
However, USA Basketball appeared unfocused for the majority of possessions. Fourteen turnovers could pose a problem in a tight clash at the Olympics.
The takeaways from the game
This version of USA Basketball is completely different from the squad that lost in last year’s FIBA Basketball World Cup Semi-Finals, highlighting two key aspects.
First, Steve Kerr’s team—through both easy and tough matchups—is heading to Paris 2024 with confidence, having won all its friendly games in preparation for the Olympics. Second, Germany can still take pride in their effort in London.
Joel Embiid may not have been the most popular among USA Basketball’s players in London, but against Germany, he showed why he could be a key factor in Paris as well.
With 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, he also delivered a ferocious block on Isaac Bonga and even flashed a Dikembe Mutombo-style finger wag. What more could you ask for?
FIBA