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LeBron James showed no signs of slowing down as he led Team USA to a thrilling victory over in their final exhibition game before the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Despite being 39 years old and the oldest player on the roster, James delivered a dominant performance that left fans and teammates in awe.
LeBron James shines in 4th quarter
The match, held in front of the largest crowd to ever watch a basketball game in London, was a true test for the American team.
, the reigning FIBA World Cup champions, aimed to make a statement by defeating Team USA just days before the Olympic Games.
However, James took control of the game in the closing minutes, much like he has throughout his illustrious career.
With holding an 82-81 lead with under four minutes remaining, James scored the United States' last 11 points on perfect 4-of-4 shooting, securing a 92-88 victory.
He finished the game with a team-high 20 points, six rebounds, four assists, a steal, and a block.
While the team showed moments of brilliance, they also faced challenges that will need to be addressed before the Olympic competition begins.
Joel Embiid was a standout performer, contributing 15 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
Stephen Curry added 13 points, while Anthony Davis and Anthony Edwards chipped in with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Overall, the United States shot an impressive 49.28% from the field, while struggled with 35.8% shooting.
, known for its excellent team chemistry and strong performances in the World Cup, was led by Franz Wagner of the Orlando Magic, who scored 18 points with seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
The Germans showcased their ability to move the ball and shoot from beyond the arc, causing problems for the American defense at times.
Team USA's defense, particularly their efforts to limit dribble penetration and force difficult shots, was crucial in the win.
Jrue Holiday and Anthony Edwards applied significant pressure on 's guards, leading to several end-of-shot-clock attempts by the opposition.
However, capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring 16 points off offensive rebounds.
The Americans also struggled with turnovers, particularly in a stretch during the third quarter when they committed five turnovers in just four minutes.
This allowed to stay competitive despite their poor shooting percentage.
Team USA heads to Paris undefeated
The win capped off a flawless 5-0 record for Team USA in their pre-Olympic exhibition tour.
Kevin Durant, who missed the game due to a right calf injury, is expected to the team in Paris.
Coach Steve Kerr remains optimistic about Durant's availability for the Olympics, despite his history with calf injuries.
Team USA officials are hopeful that Durant will be ready to play when the games begin.
Team USA's next challenge will come against Serbia in the group stage of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games on July 28 at 11:15 a.m. ET.
With LeBron James leading the way, the American team looks poised to make a strong run for the gold medal.