Team USA Triumphs Over Serbia with Durant's Stellar Performance
In a dominant display, Kevin Durant stepped off the bench to guide Team USA to a resounding victory over Serbia. However, one noticeable absence from the game was Jayson Tatum, who remained on the sidelines, his finger heavily wrapped and his warmup shirt never removed. This marked a rare occasion where Tatum's talents were not showcased on the court.
Head Coach Steve Kerr provided clarity on the decision to keep Tatum out, explaining that with Durant's return, he leaned towards combinations that made the most strategic sense. "With Kevin coming back, I just went to the combinations that I felt made the most sense," Kerr stated.
The decision, however, was not without its challenges. Kerr openly admitted the difficulties of his role, underscoring the complexity of managing a team brimming with talent. "I thought I was crazy when I looked at everything and determined these are the lineups I wanted to get to," he confessed, emphasizing the difficulty of his decision-making process in such high-stakes games. "It's really hard in a 40-minute game to play more than 10 guys."
On the court, Team USA's dominance was clear. Devin Booker and Anthony Edwards combined for a total of 23 points, showcasing their sharpshooting abilities by hitting 6-of-8 from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton did not see any action in this particular matchup.
Kerr emphasized that every game presents different challenges based on the opposition and matchups. "Every game's going to be different based on matchups," he remarked. This sentiment is especially pertinent as Team USA prepares for their upcoming game against South Sudan, a matchup that presents another tactical puzzle for Kerr and his coaching staff.
As for Tatum, there's anticipation around his potential involvement in the next two group-stage games against South Sudan and Puerto Rico. Kerr voiced his confidence in Tatum's readiness, asserting decisively, "Tatum is going to play." Despite his court absence against Serbia, Kerr assured that Tatum remains an integral part of the team’s strategies.
Looking at Team USA's broader aspirations, the aim is clear: winning six games to achieve their ultimate goal. Kerr highlighted the team's understanding of the mission at hand, saying, "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."
Canada is potentially looming as a formidable opponent in future matches. This reality means Kerr is preparing for various scenarios, including deploying a smaller lineup. The focus will remain on defensive schemes, particularly emphasizing point-of-attack pressure, as they aim to maintain their winning momentum.
Reflecting on the game against Serbia, Kerr admitted feeling some regret about not including Tatum in the rotation, humorously commenting, "I feel like an idiot" for the decision. Nonetheless, Team USA's performance was nothing short of spectacular, leaving fans eager for the next showcase of international basketball prowess.
As Team USA gears up for their Wednesday clash with South Sudan, all eyes will be on Kerr's strategies and Tatum's anticipated return to the court. The journey towards securing six victories continues, and if the current form is any indicator, Team USA is well on its way to achieving their goal.