In a commanding display of basketball prowess, Kevin Durant came off the bench to guide Team USA to a resounding victory over Serbia. The dominating performance, however, was marked by the sidelining of a notable star, Jayson Tatum, who remained a spectator throughout the game due to a finger injury.
Tatum, who kept his warmup shirt on and his heavily wrapped finger in full view, missed out on contributing his talents to the action on the court—a rare occurrence that raised questions in the post-game discussion. Coach Steve Kerr addressed the decision-making process that led to Tatum's inactivity, emphasizing the complexities involved in choosing the right combinations to secure a win. "With Kevin coming back, I just went to the combinations that I felt made the most sense," Kerr explained.
Kerr's strategy paid off, as Team USA maintained its dominance, bolstered by standout performances from Devin Booker and Anthony Edwards, who combined for 23 points. The duo's sharp shooting was particularly impressive, as they collectively went 6-of-8 from beyond the arc. Despite the commanding win, the difficulties inherent in Kerr's decisions were palpable. "It's really hard in a 40-minute game to play more than 10 guys," he admitted. "I thought I was crazy when I looked at everything and determined these are the lineups I wanted to get to."
Another player, Tyrese Haliburton, also saw no action during the game, highlighting the tactical adjustments Kerr is making on a game-by-game basis. "Every game's going to be different based on matchups," Kerr noted, adapting his strategy to the unique challenges each opponent presents.
Looking ahead, Team USA is preparing for its next matchup against South Sudan, a game that presents another tactical puzzle for Kerr to solve. The coach expressed confidence in Tatum's readiness to return to the court, indicating that the star player's involvement is likely in the upcoming group-stage games against South Sudan and Puerto Rico. "Tatum is going to play," Kerr asserted, underscoring his belief in Tatum's ability to contribute to the team's pursuit of their ultimate goal: winning six games.
The road to that goal could potentially see Team USA facing off against Canada, adding another layer of preparation for Kerr and his coaching staff. With scenarios including a smaller lineup and a focus on defensive schemes that emphasize point-of-attack pressure, Team USA is leaving no stone unturned in their strategic planning.
The anticipation for the match against South Sudan on Wednesday is building, with the team gearing up to continue its streak of dominance. As Kerr succinctly put it, "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."
Reflecting on the decision to keep Tatum out against Serbia, Kerr was candid about the challenges and second-guessing involved. "I feel like an idiot" for not playing Tatum, he confessed, indicating that the balancing act of managing player rotations and game strategy is far from straightforward.
This ongoing narrative of tactical decisions, star performances, and the ever-present aim for victory is shaping up to be a compelling chapter in Team USA's basketball journey. As they prepare for their next challenge, the blend of experience, strategy, and raw talent promises to keep fans and analysts alike on the edge of their seats.