Team USA launched its Olympic campaign with an emphatic statement, overpowering Serbia 110-84 in their opening game. Under the guidance of head coach Steve Kerr, the team executed a strategic plan that paid off handsomely.
Kerr's Strategic Decisions
Despite the lopsided victory, one of the most notable aspects of Team USA's lineup was the absence of Jayson Tatum. A first-team All-NBA player and champion, Tatum was notably missing from the game. According to Kerr, "Jayson will play [Wednesday]," but the decision not to field him against Serbia came after careful consideration.
Kerr explained his process, stating, "I'm not going to answer your next question, which is if he plays, who doesn't. But we're going to need him, and part of this job for me is to keep everybody engaged and ready, because my experience with this is crazy stuff happens."
The head coach's experience is extensive, having served as an assistant coach during the 2019 World Cup in China and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Last summer, he took on the head coach role at the World Cup in Manila, further demonstrating his wealth of knowledge and tactical acumen.
The Role of Centers and Defense
Kerr's decision-making was influenced by his assessment of matchups and performances from exhibition games. He chose to feature three centers — Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, and Bam Adebayo — a strategic move aiming to counter Serbia's imposing frontcourt players. This strategy evidently paid off, allowing Team USA to dominate the paint and limit Serbia's interior effectiveness.
Bench Strength: Derrick White's Impact
Another key element in the game was Derrick White, who emerged as a pivotal figure off the bench. The team was plus-15 when White was on the floor, underscoring his significant impact on both ends of the court.
Reflecting on the dynamics of squad rotation, Kerr shared, "The hardest part of this job is you're sitting at least a couple of guys who are world-class, some of the very best players on Earth. On one hand, it makes no sense at all. On the other, I'm asking these guys to just commit to winning one game and then move on to the next one. I have to do the same thing. And so I felt like last night those were the combinations that made the most sense."
Looking Ahead: The South Sudan Challenge
Next up for Team USA is a clash with South Sudan, a team known for their speed and three-point shooting prowess. South Sudan drained 14 three-pointers in their previous encounter with Team USA and pushed them to a narrow one-point victory. Kerr acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, "With South Sudan, it's more about the speed, and speed is a killer. You have to be prepared for everything, and that means we need everybody."
Tatum's involvement in the upcoming game could prove crucial. The star forward averaged 6.7 points in Team USA's five exhibition games and recently scored nine points in 16 minutes last week in London. His scoring ability and versatility could be key in countering South Sudan's fast-paced offense.
As Team USA prepares for this critical matchup, Kerr's tactical decisions and the team's depth will be closely scrutinized. The opening victory against Serbia has set a positive tone, but the road ahead promises to test the mettle and chemistry of this talented squad.