Team USA started their journey in the 2024 Paris Olympics on a high note, securing a dominant 110-84 victory over Serbia in their opening game. The match saw remarkable performances from several key players, while also raising questions about some surprising changes in the lineup.
In a game where Team USA flexed its offensive muscles, the absence of Jayson Tatum was conspicuous. Tatum, a pivotal player for the Boston Celtics and a recent All-NBA First Team honoree, logged zero minutes in the contest. This decision appeared even more unexpected given Tatum's strong showing in the exhibition games leading up to the Olympics, where he averaged 17.6 minutes per game. His absence was attributed to the return of Kevin Durant, who reclaimed his spot in the rotation against Serbia.
Tatum's Role and Response
Tatum's sidelining was not due to any injury concerns, as clarified by the player himself. When asked about his status, Tatum responded with a straightforward, "No, I'm good." This response suggests that the decision to keep him on the bench was purely tactical.
Head Coach Steve Kerr shed light on this tactical move, explaining, "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 the DNP-CD (Did Not Play – Coach's Decision) was primarily to integrate Durant back into the team. Durant had not participated in the friendly matches preceding the Olympics, making his return a significant adjustment for the team's dynamics.
Impact of Durant's Return
Durant's reintegration into the lineup was a decisive factor in the match against Serbia. Positioned alongside a star-studded starting lineup that included Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid, Durant's presence was felt immediately. His return brings a wealth of experience and scoring prowess to the team, heightening expectations for Team USA's performance in the tournament.
Joel Embiid's Resilience
Another noteworthy development was Joel Embiid's participation in the game, despite missing recent practices due to illness. Embiid's resilience and ability to contribute significantly in the game underline his importance to the team. His presence in the paint provided the physicality and defensive stability that Team USA needed against a formidable Serbian squad.
Tyrese Haliburton and Derrick White's Roles
While Tatum sat out, Tyrese Haliburton was also sidelined and did not play against Serbia. This opened up opportunities for other players to step up, including Derrick White, who ran point with the second unit for the last two-and-a-half games leading up to this fixture. White's performance as a floor general has been commendable, providing the necessary depth from the bench.
Upcoming Challenges
Team USA's journey in the Paris Olympics continues with upcoming games against South Sudan on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET and Puerto Rico next Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET. The team will need to maintain their momentum and navigate these matches with the same strategic acumen demonstrated against Serbia.
As the tournament progresses, the tactical decisions made by Coach Kerr will continue to be scrutinized. The integration of star players and the management of playing time for key contributors like Tatum will be crucial in determining Team USA's success. For now, the opening victory against Serbia sets a positive tone, hinting at the potential for a deep run in the Olympics.