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By Alex Kirschenbaum
Contributing Entertainment Writer
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With Phoenix Suns All-NBA power forward Kevin Durant once again scratched, a still-loaded Team USA men's basketball program almost fell to Team Germany in the final warm-up game for the former before the 2024 Paris Olympics. But the more talented Americans persevered, by just two possessions, 92-88, in their London exhibition on Monday night.
USA Basketball's rickety chemistry remained disappointingly glaring on Monday. Granted, the Americans got out to a 48-41 halftime advantage with highlight-reel performances from Philadelphia 76ers All-Star center Joel Embiid, Boston Celtics All-Defensive guard Jrue Holiday, and Los Angeles Lakers All-NBA center Anthony Davis.
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But the Germans would not go quietly.
Team USA club allowed Team Germany to keep things competitive late. Team Germany rallied in the third quarter, outscoring Team USA 30-20 in that frame. Team Germany headed into the fourth quarter with a single-possession lead, 71-68.
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Los Angeles Lakers All-NBA combo forward LeBron James, the oldest player on the floor at age 39, didn't let his relative dotage slow him down. He scored a team-high 20 points on 8-of-11 field goal shooting (2-of-2 from long range) and 2-of-4 free through shooting, plus six rebounds, four assists, a steal, and a block. James' output included a variety of clutch late buckets from all over the hardwood, to help Team USA seal the deal in the fourth frame.
Team USA's first matchup in competition will be against Team Serbia on Sunday. Team USA handily blew out that group in exhibition play, 105-79, despite that club boasting probably the league's best player, three-time Denver Nuggets MVP center Nikola Jokic. USA Basketball ultimately went 5-0 in exhibition contests this year.
This loaded group is looking to secure its fifth straight gold medal in Olympic competition and will remain the heavy favorites to win it all. But the field is deeper and more talented than ever.
Team Germany, which won gold at the FIBA World Cup last summer (Team USA did not medal), boasts several high-level active NBA pros. Maximum-salaried Orlando Magic small forward Franz Wagner is joined by his brother and Magic teammate Moritz Wagner, while Brooklyn Nets point guard Dennis Schroder and New Orleans Pelicans center Daniel Thies also round out the most formidable foes on what's sure to be a tough out in the competition.
But Team Germany is no match for Team USA's star-studded squad. Beyond James, Durant, Embiid, Davis, and Holiday, Team USA also features Golden State Warriors All-NBA point guard Stephen Curry, Suns All-Star guard Devin Booker, Miami Heat All-Star center Bam Adebayo, Minnesota Timberwolves All-NBA shooting guard Anthony Edwards, Indiana Pacers All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, and a trio of Boston Celtics in All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum and All-Defensive guards Jrue Holiday and Derrick White.
Read More: LeBron James Become First-Ever Men's Basketball Player to be Flag Bearer at Olympics
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