USA Dominates Serbia in Opening Game of 2024 Paris Olympics
Team USA kicked off their 2024 Paris Olympics basketball campaign with a decisive 110-84 victory over Serbia, marking a strong start to their pursuit of Olympic gold. However, the game saw some unexpected roster moves that sparked conversations among fans and analysts alike.
Tatum Benched, Durant Returns
In a surprising twist, Jayson Tatum logged zero minutes in the contest against Serbia. This comes after Tatum, a key player for the Boston Celtics, averaged 17.6 minutes in the five exhibition games leading to the Olympics. Head coach Steve Kerr opted to prioritize Kevin Durant, who made his return to the lineup, effectively taking Tatum's spot in the rotation. Durant had not participated in any of the friendlies before the Serbia game, making his sudden inclusion noteworthy.
Kerr addressed the decision by saying, "I went with the combinations that made sense. That was for tonight. He handled it well. He'll make his mark." He further clarified to reporters that the DNP-CD (Did Not Play - Coach's Decision) for Tatum was primarily to incorporate Durant into the mix.
When questioned about his status, Tatum assured fans, "No, I'm good." The star forward recently led the Boston Celtics to a championship and earned All-NBA First Team honors, underlining his importance to the team.
Starting Five Shine
The starting lineup for Team USA featured a blend of seasoned and youthful talent: Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid. Despite missing recent practices due to illness, Embiid managed to play in the game, contributing to the team’s offensive and defensive efforts.
LeBron James, playing in yet another Olympic campaign, showcased his leadership and experience on the court, guiding a cohesive team performance. Meanwhile, Stephen Curry’s sharpshooting and playmaking abilities were on full display, helping to dismantle the Serbian defense. Devin Booker and Jrue Holiday brought their defensive tenacity and scoring prowess, while Embiid’s presence in the paint was pivotal in both ends of the court.
Supporting Cast and Rotational Changes
In addition to the stellar play of the starters, Derrick White ran point with the second unit for the last two-and-a-half games, a role in which he has become increasingly comfortable. White’s agility and court vision provided stability and continuity when the starters needed a breather.
However, not all players were available. Tyrese Haliburton was sidelined and did not play against Serbia, raising concerns about the team’s depth moving forward. Haliburton’s absence meant that other guards had to step up, a task White and others managed competently.
Looking Ahead
Team USA’s next challenge comes quickly, as they face South Sudan on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET, followed by a matchup against Puerto Rico on Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET. With the depth of talent at Kerr’s disposal, the team is poised to navigate the rigorous Olympic schedule, though the rotational decisions and player health will be closely monitored.
As they march forward, the dynamic between incorporating seasoned veterans like Durant and maintaining the rhythm of established contributors like Tatum will remain a point of focus. For now, the commanding win over Serbia sets a promising tone for Team USA’s pursuit of yet another Olympic gold.