Team USA Triumphs Over Serbia in 2024 Paris Olympics Opener, Tatum Benched
Team USA opened their 2024 Paris Olympics basketball campaign with an emphatic 110-84 victory over Serbia. This impressive win came with some surprising lineup decisions from head coach Steve Kerr.
Jayson Tatum, a key player for the Boston Celtics, logged zero minutes in the victory. This move raised eyebrows, especially since Tatum had been a pivotal figure for the Celtics, leading them to a championship and earning All-NBA First Team honors in the previous season. In the buildup to the Olympics, Tatum averaged 17.6 minutes across five exhibition games, making his benching even more unexpected.
The absence of Tatum was linked to the return of Kevin Durant. Durant, who had not participated in the friendly matches leading up to the Olympics, took Tatum’s spot in the rotation for the game against Serbia. Explaining his decision, Kerr said, "I went with the combinations that made sense. That was for tonight. He handled it well. He'll make his mark." Kerr further elaborated that Tatum’s DNP-CD (Did Not Play - Coach's Decision) was mainly a result of integrating Durant into the lineup.
The starting five for Team USA comprised Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid—a lineup brimming with talent and versatility. Embiid, despite missing recent practices due to an illness, managed to make a significant impact in the game.
Tatum’s exclusion did spark conversations, but the player himself downplayed any concerns. When asked about his status, Tatum simply responded, "No, I'm good." This assurance should ease the minds of fans who were puzzled by his absence on the court.
Meanwhile, Derrick White assumed the role of the floor general for the second unit during the latter half of the game. White has been running the point for the second unit over the last two-and-a-half games, providing stability and leadership.
Tyrese Haliburton, expected to be another key piece for Team USA, was sidelined and did not play against Serbia. His absence further underscored the necessity for strategic lineup adjustments by Kerr.
Looking ahead, Team USA is set to face South Sudan on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET, followed by a clash with Puerto Rico next Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET. These upcoming fixtures will offer further opportunities to evaluate the team dynamics and make any necessary adjustments.
The strong start against Serbia bodes well for Team USA, but the journey ahead remains challenging. The integration of Durant back into the lineup appears to be a calculated move by Kerr to ensure a balanced attack and bolster their chances at clinching the gold medal. With a roster teeming with talent and experience, Team USA will look to build on their promising start and navigate through the formidable competition in the coming days.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on how Kerr manages his rotations and whether Tatum will reclaim his spot in the lineup. For now, the message from the camp is clear: every player must be ready when called upon, an ethos that has historically been the hallmark of championship-winning teams.