Durant Leads Team USA to Victory Over Serbia, Tatum Sits Out
In a commanding display, Kevin Durant returned to the court, coming off the bench to propel Team USA to a dominant win over Serbia. The game saw some notable absences and strategic decisions that sparked discussions post-match.
Jayson Tatum, a key player for Team USA, did not feature in the game. Tatum was present on the sidelines, his finger heavily wrapped, and he didn’t remove his warmup shirt. This match marked a rare instance where his talents were noticeably absent from the action. Coach Steve Kerr later addressed the decision to withhold Tatum from participating, noting the complexities involved in his choice.
"It's really hard in a 40-minute game to play more than 10 guys," Kerr explained, emphasizing the constraints he faced. With Durant’s return, Kerr opted for the combinations he felt were most effective. "With Kevin coming back, I just went to the combinations that I felt made the most sense," he added.
Kerr shared his internal struggle with the decision: "I thought I was crazy when I looked at everything and determined these are the lineups I wanted to get to."
Despite Tatum’s absence, Team USA maintained its dominance on the court, powered by contributions from other key players. Devin Booker and Anthony Edwards combined for an impressive 23 points, showcasing their sharp shooting with a combined 6-of-8 from beyond the arc. Tyrese Haliburton, however, did not see any action in the game.
Kerr underscored the need to adapt to varying matchups, saying, "Every game's going to be different based on matchups." The tactical decisions paid off against Serbia, but another challenge looms with the upcoming game against South Sudan. Kerr is already contemplating strategies for this next test, highlighting the evolving nature of his decision-making.
Looking ahead, Tatum's involvement is anticipated in the next two group-stage games against South Sudan and Puerto Rico. Kerr expressed confidence in Tatum's readiness: "Tatum is going to play," he asserted, indicating that fans can expect to see the forward back in action soon.
One of Kerr’s key messages to his team has been the importance of focusing on their primary objective. "Our guys know the key to this whole thing is to put all the NBA stuff in the rearview mirror and just win six games," he stated, underscoring the drive and unity required to achieve their goal.
As Team USA prepares for their clash against South Sudan on Wednesday, Kerr is gearing up for different scenarios, including potential adjustments to a smaller lineup. Defensive strategies will also be crucial, with a focus on point-of-attack pressure to disrupt opponents.
Canada, another formidable opponent, looms on the horizon as a potential future matchup. Kerr’s preparations are comprehensive, aiming to arm his squad with the flexibility and resilience needed for success.
Reflecting on the decision to rest Tatum, Kerr admitted, "I feel like an idiot" for not playing him against Serbia. However, his commitment to the overall strategy remains steadfast as he navigates the complexities of international competition.
With the stakes high and every game presenting new challenges, Team USA's journey continues with a keen eye on maintaining their winning momentum and achieving their ultimate goal.