Team USA Triumphs Over Serbia in Olympic Opener
Team USA started their 2024 Paris Olympics campaign with a resounding 110-84 victory over Serbia. The dominant performance was marked by effective team play and tactical decisions from head coach Steve Kerr.
A notable storyline from the game was the zero minutes logged by Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who was expected to play a crucial role. However, Tatum's absence appeared linked to the return of Kevin Durant, who hadn't participated in any of the friendlies leading up to this key match.
Discussing Tatum's DNP-CD (Did Not Play - Coach’s Decision), Kerr explained, "I went with the combinations that made sense. That was for tonight. He handled it well. He'll make his mark." The coach further clarified that the change was primarily about integrating Durant into the lineup, “Kerr told reporters that the DNP-CD was mostly a result of getting Durant in the mix.”
Tatum, a pivotal player for the Boston Celtics who led them to a championship and earned All-NBA First Team honors this past season, seemed to take the decision in stride. Responding to questions about his status, Tatum reassured everyone, "No, I'm good," making it clear that his exclusion was not due to injury or health concerns.
Durant’s return undoubtedly provided a boost to Team USA. The starting lineup consisted of elite talents including Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid. Embiid, who had missed recent practices due to illness, managed to play against Serbia, showcasing his resilience.
Meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton was sidelined for this game, and Derrick White took over the point guard duties with the second unit for the last two-and-a-half games, providing stability and depth to the roster.
Team USA’s path to Olympic gold won’t be easy, but this victory sets a positive tone. They are scheduled to face South Sudan on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET, and Puerto Rico next Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET. Both games present opportunities for the team to further gel and for Tatum to potentially make his mark, as hinted by Kerr.
With Durant's return and a roster brimming with talent, Team USA's aspirations for Olympic glory seem well within reach. Despite unexpected lineup changes and the challenges posed by illnesses and minor injuries, the team demonstrated their depth and capability against a strong Serbian squad. The upcoming games will reveal more about how this talented group will continue to come together in their quest for gold.