Team USA kicked off their 2024 Paris Olympics campaign in dominant fashion, hammering Serbia 110-84 in a commanding performance. However, the most notable storyline from this game was the surprising absence of Jayson Tatum from the court. Tatum, a pivotal player for both Team USA and the Boston Celtics, logged zero minutes in the contest, raising eyebrows and sparking immediate questions regarding his status.
Durant Takes Center Stage
The return of Kevin Durant to the lineup against Serbia appeared to be the catalyst for Tatum’s unexpected benching. Durant, who had not seen action in the friendlies leading up to the game, took Tatum's spot in the rotation. Head coach Steve Kerr was forthcoming about the decision, stating, "Kerr told reporters that the DNP-CD was mostly a result of getting Durant in the mix."
"I went with the combinations that made sense. That was for tonight. He handled it well. He'll make his mark," Kerr explained further, shedding light on the strategic decisions that led to the alteration in the lineup.
The Starting Lineup
The starting five boasted star power with Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid taking the floor. Embiid's inclusion was particularly noteworthy given that he had missed recent practices due to illness but managed to play and contribute against Serbia.
Despite the shuffle, Team USA showed no signs of disorganization. Their cohesive play and dominance were evident from the opening tip-off to the final buzzer, reaffirming their status as a formidable contender in the tournament.
Tatum's Recent Performance and Response
Prior to the Olympics, Tatum had been a consistent contributor in the exhibition games, averaging 17.6 minutes across five contests. His role in leading the Boston Celtics to a championship this past season, coupled with his All-NBA First Team honors, underscored his importance to any team he plays for. Yet, on this night, his contributions came from the bench.
When questioned about his status, Tatum offered a straightforward, assuring response: "No, I'm good."
Other Key Notes
While Durant's reintegration stole the headlines, other players also had significant roles. Derrick White successfully ran the point with the second unit for the last two-and-a-half games, filling the void left by Tyrese Haliburton, who was sidelined and did not play against Serbia.
The team’s depth and versatility, demonstrated through this seamless adjustment, speak volumes about the squad’s preparation and Kerr’s adept rotational management.
Looking Forward
With the first win under their belts, Team USA will turn their attention to upcoming group stage matchups. 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 further test Kerr's rotation strategies and the squad’s cohesion as they aim to solidify their status as gold medal favorites.
For now, the successful return of Kevin Durant and the depth showcased in their opening victory are encouraging signs for Team USA. As for Jayson Tatum, his time on the court will inevitably come, and he remains poised to make his mark when called upon. The journey has just begun, and all eyes will be on how this talented roster continues to evolve and conquer the challenges ahead.