Team USA Dominates Serbia in 2024 Paris Olympics Opener
Team USA kicked off their 2024 Paris Olympics basketball campaign with an emphatic 110-84 victory over Serbia. It was a statement win that showcased the depth and versatility of the American roster. However, one notable absence in the rotation was Jayson Tatum, a key player for the Boston Celtics, who logged zero minutes in the contest.
The decision to keep Tatum on the bench raised eyebrows, especially considering his significant contributions to the Celtics' recent success. Tatum led Boston to a championship and earned All-NBA First Team honors this past season. Additionally, he averaged 17.6 minutes in the five exhibition games leading up to the Olympics, making his absence in the game against Serbia all the more perplexing.
Head coach Steve Kerr addressed the situation post-game, explaining that incorporating Kevin Durant back into the lineup was a primary factor. "I went with the combinations that made sense. That was for tonight. He handled it well. He'll make his mark," Kerr said, indicating confidence that Tatum will have his opportunities to shine as the tournament progresses. Kerr also mentioned that the DNP-CD (Did Not Play – Coach’s Decision) was mainly due to getting Durant in the mix since Durant had not played in the friendlies prior to the game against Serbia.
Tatum, for his part, appeared unperturbed by the coaching decision. When asked about his status, he responded briefly but confidently, "No, I'm good."
Durant's return was a welcome addition for Team USA. The starting lineup against Serbia featured a stellar cast including Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid. Despite recent illness that caused him to miss practices, Embiid played an essential role in the win.
Not everything was smooth for Team USA, as they dealt with the sidelining of Tyrese Haliburton. In Haliburton's absence, Derrick White took over point guard duties with the second unit for the last two-and-a-half games, providing stability and efficiency in the backup role.
This Olympic campaign sees Team USA relying on its star power and depth to navigate through the rounds. The rotation and player utilization will be critical, especially with back-to-back games and potential sudden shifts in matchups. Kerr has already demonstrated a willingness to make tough calls, such as opting to prioritize Durant's reintegration over utilizing Tatum's skill set in their first game.
Looking ahead, Team USA has more challenges on the horizon with games against South Sudan on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET and Puerto Rico next Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET. These matchups will provide further opportunities for Kerr to experiment with different lineups and ensure players like Tatum find their rhythm and impact the game.
In the broader picture, Team USA’s triumph over Serbia sets a strong tone for their Olympic journey. The team’s overwhelming talent and the strategic acumen of Coach Kerr will be pivotal as they aim to recapture Olympic glory. Balancing the minutes and roles of superstars like Durant and Tatum will be vital in maintaining both individual player satisfaction and team success.
The win also underscores the camaraderie and professional approach of the team. Players like Tatum, despite reduced playing time, maintain a positive outlook and readiness to contribute whenever called upon. This attitude is essential in a tournament setting where adaptability and unity often determine the ultimate victors.
With a convincing opening game performance and a roster brimming with elite talent, Team USA has put the basketball world on notice. The journey to Olympic gold has just begun, and, if the first game is any indication, it promises to be an exciting and triumphant campaign.