Team USA Opens Paris Olympics with Decisive Win Over Serbia
The 2024 Paris Olympics have begun on a high note for Team USA, as they triumphed in their first basketball game with a resounding 110-84 victory over Serbia. The Americans made a formidable statement, but notably absent from their rotation was Jayson Tatum, a key player for both Team USA and the Boston Celtics.
Tatum, who has been instrumental for the Celtics, leading them to a championship and earning All-NBA First Team honors this past season, logged zero minutes in the contest against Serbia. This absence raised eyebrows, especially considering his solid performance in the exhibition games leading up to the Olympics, where he averaged 17.6 minutes. Tatum's response to inquiries about his playing status was simply, "No, I'm good."
Head Coach Steve Kerr explained the rationale behind Tatum's benching. "I went with the combinations that made sense. That was for tonight. He handled it well. He'll make his mark," Kerr stated. Kerr further clarified that the decision, a DNP-CD (Did Not Play - Coach's Decision), was primarily to integrate Kevin Durant back into the lineup. “Kerr told reporters that the DNP-CD was mostly a result of getting Durant in the mix.”
Durant, who had not participated in the friendly matches leading up to the Olympics, returned to the court and took Tatum's spot in the rotation. His inclusion reinvigorated the team, underscoring the depth and flexibility of the roster.
Alongside Durant, the starting lineup featured some of the NBA's brightest stars: Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid. Embiid, who had missed recent practices due to illness, managed to play in the game against Serbia, further showcasing his resilience and commitment to the team's success.
The game also highlighted the depth of the American bench. With Tyrese Haliburton sidelined, Derrick White stepped up, running point with the second unit for the last two-and-a-half games. This strategic move ensured that the team's rhythm and pace remained consistent, even when the starters were resting.
Looking forward, Team USA is eyeing their next matchups with confidence. They are set to face South Sudan on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET and Puerto Rico next Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET. These games will be crucial in maintaining their momentum and securing a strong position in the tournament.
With a star-studded roster and a coach unafraid to make tactical adjustments, Team USA is poised for a formidable run in Paris. The integration of Kevin Durant and the depth provided by players like Derrick White and Joel Embiid demonstrate a versatile and resilient team, ready to face any challenges that lie ahead.