Team USA opened their campaign in the 2024 Paris Olympics with a convincing 110-84 victory over Serbia, showcasing their depth and flexibility despite some surprising lineup changes.
One of the most notable aspects of this win was the absence of Boston Celtics superstar, Jayson Tatum, from the game. Tatum, who has been instrumental for the Celtics, leading them to a championship and earning All-NBA First Team honors this past season, did not log a single minute against Serbia. This decision came as a surprise, especially given Tatum's consistent performance in the five exhibition games leading up to the Olympics, where he averaged 17.6 minutes per game.
Instead, it was Kevin Durant who took Tatum’s spot in the rotation. Durant's return to the lineup marks his first appearance in the Olympics after sitting out the friendlies leading up to the tournament. "Kerr told reporters that the DNP-CD was mostly a result of getting Durant in the mix," explained Steve Kerr, Team USA’s head coach. Kerr further elaborated, "I went with the combinations that made sense. That was for tonight. He handled it well. He'll make his mark."
Starting Lineup and Key Players
The starting lineup against Serbia featured Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid. Embiid, who had missed recent practices due to illness, played in the game, adding a much-needed presence in the paint. The mix of seasoned veterans and younger stars seemed to pay off, with each player contributing effectively to the team's overall performance.
Derrick White took on the role of running point with the second unit for the last two-and-a-half games, showing the depth and versatility of Team USA's backcourt. Meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton was sidelined and did not participate in the game against Serbia. This absence was notable but did not appear to hinder the team’s performance significantly.
Tatum's Status
With Jayson Tatum logging zero minutes in the game, questions arose regarding his status. However, Tatum was quick to quell any concerns, responding to inquiries with a simple, "No, I'm good." This straightforward reply suggests that his absence was more a strategic move by the coaching staff rather than a result of any injury or personal issue. The presence of Durant in the lineup seems to be a calculated decision aimed at optimizing the team’s performance as they move forward in the tournament.
Looking ahead, Team USA has a packed schedule with two pivotal games on the horizon. They will face South Sudan on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET, followed by a matchup against Puerto Rico next Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET. These games will further test the squad’s adaptability and depth, as they aim to continue their winning streak and solidify their standing as a powerhouse in international basketball.
The dynamic within Team USA will undoubtedly continue to evolve as the tournament progresses. With Kerr’s tactical decisions, the integration of players like Durant back into the rotation, and the steady presence of other stars, Team USA appears well-positioned to make a deep run in the Olympics. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see how the team navigates its upcoming challenges, and whether Tatum will indeed make his mark as Kerr predicted.
The blend of strategy, talent, and the collective drive to succeed defines this iteration of Team USA. As they build on their opening win, the true test will lie in their ability to harmonize the varied talents on their roster and push toward the ultimate goal of Olympic gold.