In a commanding debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Team USA triumphed over Serbia with a 110-84 victory, setting the tone for their Olympic campaign. However, the game, held at the Olympic Basketball Arena, brought some unexpected lineup changes as head coach Steve Kerr adjusted the rotations, most notably benching Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum.
Tatum Benched, Durant Returns
Jayson Tatum, a key player for the Boston Celtics who led his team to a championship and earned All-NBA First Team honors in the past season, remarkably logged zero minutes in the contest against Serbia. Despite averaging 17.6 minutes in the five exhibition games leading up to the Olympics, Tatum found himself as a spectator for the entire game. The move was primarily influenced by Kevin Durant's return to the lineup. Durant, who had not participated in the friendlies prior to the Olympics, reclaimed his spot, leading to Tatum's absence on the court.
The decision, as explained by Kerr, was tactical. "I went with the combinations that made sense. That was for tonight. He handled it well. He'll make his mark," Kerr said, underscoring the temporary nature of this adjustment. He further clarified, "The DNP-CD was mostly a result of getting Durant in the mix," highlighting the strategic decision to integrate Durant into the team's chemistry as smoothly as possible.
Starting Lineup and Game Dynamics
The starting lineup against Serbia featured some of the biggest names in the NBA: Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid. Despite Embiid having missed recent practices due to illness, he showcased his resilience by playing and contributing significantly to the victory.
Derrick White ran point with the second unit, a role he has embraced for the last two-and-a-half games, demonstrating the depth and versatility of Team USA's roster. Meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton was sidelined and did not play, making the most of his recovery period as the team looks forward to upcoming matches.
Player Reactions and Looking Ahead
While some might speculate on Tatum’s morale following a full game on the bench, the Celtics' forward appeared unfazed. Responding to inquiries about his status, Tatum simply said, "No, I'm good," indicating his readiness and positive mindset amid the strategic benching.
As for Team USA, the focus quickly shifts to their next challenges. They are set to face South Sudan on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET and will play against Puerto Rico the following Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET. Each game offers a new test for Coach Kerr's squad as they aim to maintain their momentum and fine-tune their cohesive play on the court.
By debuting with a decisive win over Serbia and leveraging veteran leadership and emerging talent, Team USA is setting an early benchmark for performance in the 2024 Paris Olympics. With players like Durant reintegrating and stars like Tatum ready to contribute when called upon, the team appears well-equipped to handle the rigors of Olympic competition.