In a pivotal match for Team USA, Kevin Durant stepped off the bench to lead his team to a decisive victory over Serbia. Despite the win, one of the more unusual aspects of the game was the complete absence of Jayson Tatum from the action.
Kerr's Tactical Decision
Coach Steve Kerr addressed his decision to keep Tatum, whose finger was heavily wrapped, sidelined for the duration of the match. "It's really hard in a 40-minute game to play more than 10 guys," Kerr explained, recognizing the inherent challenges in his decision-making process. In Kerr's eyes, Durant's return was pivotal. "With Kevin coming back, I just went to the combinations that I felt made the most sense," he said, albeit with some hesitance. "I thought I was crazy when I looked at everything and determined these are the lineups I wanted to get to."
Team Performance Shines
While Tatum remained in his warmup shirt, Devin Booker and Anthony Edwards combined for an impressive 23 points, showcasing Team USA's depth and versatility. The duo was particularly effective from beyond the arc, hitting 6 of their 8 attempts. Team USA's dominance on the court was evident, reaffirming their readiness for the challenges ahead.
Haliburton and Tatum Sidesteps
Interestingly, Tyrese Haliburton also did not see any action in the game. Kerr emphasized that tactical variations are crucial and depend on specific matchups. "Every game's going to be different based on matchups," he stated. This versatility in strategy is something Kerr seems to embrace, even if it means leaving high-profile talents on the sideline.
Upcoming Challenges
The upcoming matchup against South Sudan presents another tactical puzzle for Kerr. This time, however, he has voiced confidence in Tatum's involvement. "Tatum is going to play," Kerr asserted. The next two group-stage games against South Sudan and Puerto Rico could see Tatum making a significant impact, especially if his finger injury subsides.
Focus on the Ultimate Goal
Team USA has its eyes set on winning six games to achieve their ultimate goal. "Our guys know the key to this whole thing is to put all the NBA stuff in the rearview mirror and just win six games," Kerr noted, emphasizing a single-minded focus on victory. While the path ahead is daunting, with Canada looming as a potential future opponent, Kerr is already preparing for various scenarios, including the possibility of deploying a smaller lineup.
Defense at the Forefront
Defensively, Team USA will concentrate on point-of-attack pressure, a strategy that has served them well thus far. Wednesday's game against South Sudan is expected to test these tactics further, adding another layer of complexity to Kerr's coaching conundrum.
In retrospect, Kerr expressed some regret over not playing Tatum against Serbia, even admitting, "I feel like an idiot." However, the coach's ability to adapt and optimize combinations as needed keeps Team USA on a promising trajectory.
The game against South Sudan will be a telling next chapter for Team USA, a chance to validate Kerr's strategic decisions and solidify Tatum's role moving forward. With a mixture of star power, tactical acumen, and unyielding focus, Team USA's quest for dominance continues.