Team USA Dominates Serbia in Olympics Opener as Tatum Sits Out
Team USA opened their 2024 Paris Olympics campaign in style, securing a commanding 110-84 victory over Serbia. However, the absence of Jayson Tatum from the court was a notable storyline in this resounding win.
Jayson Tatum, a crucial player for the Boston Celtics who led his team to a championship and earned All-NBA First Team honors this past season, logged zero minutes in the contest against Serbia. His lack of playing time came as a surprise, given his extensive contribution during the five exhibition games leading up to the Olympics, in which he averaged 17.6 minutes.
The decision to bench Tatum was a strategic one by head coach Steve Kerr, primarily influenced by the return of superstar Kevin Durant. Durant, who had not participated in the friendlies prior to the game against Serbia, took Tatum's spot in the rotation. "I went with the combinations that made sense. That was for tonight. He handled it well. He'll make his mark," Kerr explained after the game, highlighting the depth and flexibility of the Team USA roster.
Regarding Tatum's status, the player himself was unfazed, simply stating, "No, I'm good," when asked about his non-participation. This response suggests that Tatum is prepared to contribute whenever called upon throughout the tournament.
The starting lineup for the game against Serbia included a blend of seasoned veterans and dynamic guards: Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid. Interestingly, Embiid, despite missing recent practices due to illness, played a significant role in the matchup, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to the team’s success.
Adding to the roster shakeup, Tyrese Haliburton was sidelined and did not play, leaving Derrick White to handle point guard duties with the second unit for the past two-and-a-half games. This strategic decision aimed to bolster the team's defensive and offensive cohesiveness.
Steve Kerr's game plan centered around maximizing the strengths of his available players while integrating Durant back into competitive play. "Kerr told reporters that the DNP-CD was mostly a result of getting Durant in the mix," highlighting the emphasis on versatility and preparation for the challenges ahead in the tournament.
Looking ahead, Team USA's schedule features upcoming games against South Sudan on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET and Puerto Rico next Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET. These matches will likely provide further opportunities for Tatum and the extended roster to showcase their skills and adapt to Kerr’s tactical approach.
As the tournament progresses, Team USA's depth and strategic flexibility will be crucial. With key players like Kevin Durant and potentially Jayson Tatum stepping up, the team seems well-equipped to maintain their winning momentum and continue their pursuit of Olympic glory.