Team USA Dominates Serbia in Olympic Opener
In a resounding start to their 2024 Paris Olympics campaign, Team USA secured a convincing 110-84 victory over Serbia. The game, which featured strategic rotations and standout performances, saw the American squad establishing a strong presence early in the tournament.
One of the most notable aspects of the game was the absence of Jayson Tatum. The Boston Celtics' standout player, who has been a cornerstone for his NBA team, logged zero minutes against Serbia. Despite being a crucial contributor for the Celtics, leading them to a championship and earning All-NBA First Team honors last season, Tatum found himself on the bench. When asked about his status, Tatum responded succinctly, "No, I'm good," indicating no underlying issues.
Durant Steps In
Kevin Durant's return to the lineup was a significant factor in Tatum's benching. Durant, who had not participated in the friendlies leading up to the Olympics, reclaimed his spot in the rotation against Serbia. Head coach Steve Kerr explained the decision, emphasizing the need to integrate Durant back into the team. "I went with the combinations that made sense. That was for tonight. He handled it well. He'll make his mark," Kerr stated. The coach further clarified, "Kerr told reporters that the DNP-CD was mostly a result of getting Durant in the mix."
With Durant back on the court, Team USA displayed a fluid and dynamic offense, bolstered by the presence of seasoned veterans and rising stars. The starting lineup featured a mix of experience and talent, including Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid.
Standout Performances
Despite missing recent practices due to illness, Joel Embiid contributed significantly, demonstrating resilience and dedication. His presence in the paint provided a critical advantage for the Americans. Meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton was sidelined and did not play against Serbia, prompting Derrick White to take over point guard duties for the second unit over the last two-and-a-half games.
Looking Ahead
Team USA's schedule continues with a game against South Sudan on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET, followed by a matchup against Puerto Rico next Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET. These upcoming games will be crucial as the team aims to maintain their momentum and cohesiveness.
As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Kerr manages the rotations and how the players adapt to their roles. The return of Kevin Durant adds a new dynamic to the squad, and the team's depth will be tested as they face diverse and challenging opponents.
The victory over Serbia marks a promising beginning for Team USA, but the journey is just beginning. With a blend of veteran leadership and youthful energy, the squad has the potential to achieve greatness on the global stage. As always, the focus will be on executing the game plan, staying healthy, and building chemistry as the Paris Olympics unfold.