In a triumphant start to their 2024 Paris Olympics campaign, Team USA delivered a commanding 110-84 victory over Serbia. This win was marked by several intriguing lineup decisions and individual narratives that could shape the team's journey through the tournament.
Tatum’s Surprise Absence
One of the most unexpected developments in the game was Jayson Tatum not seeing any court time. As a pivotal player for the Boston Celtics, Tatum's absence raised eyebrows, especially given his impressive performance last season, where he led the Celtics to a championship and earned All-NBA First Team honors. Given that Tatum averaged 17.6 minutes in the five exhibition games leading up to the Olympics, his zero minutes in the game against Serbia was notable.
When asked about his status, Tatum reassured, "No, I'm good." This statement, although succinct, indicated that his absence was not due to any physical ailment or injury. The strategic depth of the decision became clearer with further comments from Head Coach Steve Kerr.
Durant’s Return to Action
Kevin Durant's return to the lineup took center stage, effectively taking Tatum’s place in the rotation. Durant had not featured in any of the friendlies prior to the Serbia game, making his inclusion both a welcome and strategic move. Kerr elucidated the rationale behind this decision, saying, "I went with the combinations that made sense. That was for tonight. He handled it well. He'll make his mark." This tactical pivot underscores Kerr’s flexibility and willingness to adjust the lineup to optimize performance.
Kerr further mentioned that the decision to not play Tatum was largely influenced by the need to integrate Durant into the mix, stating, "Kerr told reporters that the DNP-CD was mostly a result of getting Durant in the mix."
Start-Studded Lineup Shines
The game saw a stellar starting lineup featuring Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid. Despite facing recent bouts of illness that caused him to miss practices, Embiid made a significant contribution on the court. Meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton was sidelined for this game, further highlighting the depth and adaptability of the squad.
Derrick White stepped up to run the point with the second unit, particularly over the last two-and-a-half games, showcasing the team's versatile guard play and ensuring a smooth transition between the primary and secondary rotations.
Looking Forward to Upcoming Matches
Team USA's next engagements are set against South Sudan on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET, followed by a match against Puerto Rico next Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET. These games will further test the team’s dynamics and Kerr's strategic decisions as they aim to build on their authoritative opening performance.
Overall, Team USA’s opening game served as a testament to their depth and the tactical acumen of Steve Kerr. Though the storylines are still unfolding, the team’s current trajectory suggests a robust and adaptable squad ready to take on the challenges ahead.