Team USA’s basketball squad started their 2024 Paris Olympic campaign on a high note, triumphing over Serbia with a commanding 110-84 victory. The win, however, came with a notable absence: Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics star, did not see any action on the court.
Head Coach Steve Kerr’s strategic decision to bench Tatum raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Kerr addressed the situation post-game, explaining, "I went with the combinations that made sense. That was for tonight. He handled it well. He'll make his mark." Kerr further elaborated that Tatum’s exclusion from the game was largely a result of trying to incorporate Kevin Durant back into the lineup. "Kerr told reporters that the DNP-CD was mostly a result of getting Durant in the mix," he stated.
Durant’s reentry into the team came after an interlude of inactivity during the exhibition games leading up to the Olympics. The team’s starting lineup against Serbia featured Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid. The latter made a notable return despite missing recent practices due to illness.
Given Tatum's pivotal role in leading the Boston Celtics to a championship and earning All-NBA First Team honors last season, his absence was particularly conspicuous. Prior to the Olympics, Tatum averaged 17.6 minutes over five exhibition games, making his zero minutes against Serbia a talking point. Responding to concerns, Tatum assuredly said, "No, I'm good," addressing queries about his status.
On the other hand, Team USA's performance was bolstered by the presence of Durant, whose return added a new dynamic to the gameplay. The reshuffled rotation aimed to maximize the strengths of the available roster, leading to a decisive victory spearheaded by the star-studded lineup.
Tyrese Haliburton was another significant absence, as he was sidelined and did not participate in the Serbia game. In Haliburton’s place, Derrick White adeptly managed the point guard duties for the second unit for the last two-and-a-half games, providing the necessary support to Team USA's forward push.
Despite the personnel changes, Team USA demonstrated formidable coherence and synergy. Stephen Curry, known for his sharpshooting and court vision, paired seamlessly with Jrue Holiday’s defensive prowess and Devin Booker’s scoring acumen. LeBron James brought his veteran leadership and versatility, while Joel Embiid’s return from illness added a much-needed interior presence.
Looking ahead, Team USA is scheduled to face South Sudan on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET, followed by a match against Puerto Rico next Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET. These upcoming contests will offer further opportunities for the squad to refine their rotations and continue building chemistry as they aim for Olympic glory.
The narrative surrounding Tatum's benching may evolve as the tournament progresses, especially with Kerr’s indication that this was a calculated move to reintegrate Durant. The team’s depth and adaptability under Kerr's leadership will be crucial as they navigate the challenges ahead in their quest for Olympic gold.