Team USA Triumphs Over Serbia in Olympics Opener
Team USA commenced their 2024 Paris Olympics journey with a resounding 110-84 victory over Serbia, demonstrating their readiness and depth. The squad's offensive prowess was evident as they cruised past the Serbian challenge, albeit with notable changes in the lineup that raised eyebrows.
One of the biggest surprises was Jayson Tatum’s absence from the court. Despite being a key player for the Boston Celtics, Tatum logged zero minutes in the contest. In his stead, Kevin Durant made a highly anticipated return to the lineup. Durant, who had not participated in the exhibition games leading up to the Olympics, took Tatum's spot in the rotation. This strategic decision by head coach Steve Kerr was reportedly aimed at integrating Durant back into the mix.
"I went with the combinations that made sense. That was for tonight. He handled it well. He'll make his mark," Steve Kerr explained. The decision to give Tatum a DNP-CD (Did Not Play - Coach’s Decision) was primarily influenced by Durant's return. Kerr told reporters, "The DNP-CD was mostly a result of getting Durant in the mix."
Tatum, a pivotal force for the Celtics, had an illustrious season leading his team to a championship while earning All-NBA First Team honors. His average of 17.6 minutes over the five exhibition games painted him as a significant contributor. Thus, his absence from the game against Serbia was a point of interest post-game. When asked about his status, Tatum reassured, "No, I'm good."
The starting lineup against Serbia was star-studded, featuring Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid. Embiid’s inclusion was another subplot, as the Philadelphia 76ers’ star had missed several practices due to illness. However, he showed no signs of ailment during the victory over Serbia.
The game also highlighted the resilience and flexibility of Team USA. Derrick White adeptly ran point for the second unit for the latter part of the exhibition games. Unfortunately, Tyrese Haliburton was sidelined and did not see action against Serbia, but the depth of the roster managed to absorb the impact of his absence.
Team USA's next tests come against South Sudan on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET, followed by a matchup with Puerto Rico next Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET. These games will further test the dynamic combinations that Kerr might employ as he balances integrating key players and maintaining the team’s rhythm.
The victory over Serbia sets a positive tone for Team USA’s Olympic campaign. The decision to sit Tatum may have been surprising, but it underscores the depth and strategic flexibility at Kerr’s disposal. As the team progresses, the mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars will be pivotal in navigating the challenges of the tournament.