Team USA began their Olympic campaign with a resounding 110-84 victory over Serbia, setting the tone for what they hope will be a successful run. Despite a dominant performance, the absence of Jayson Tatum, a first-team All-NBA player and champion, was a significant talking point.
Strategic Decisions by Coach Kerr
Head coach Steve Kerr took a calculated approach, opting to rest Tatum for the opening game. Kerr explained that the decision came after detailed analysis with his coaching staff, focusing on matchups and performances from recent exhibition games. "Jayson will play [Wednesday]," stated Kerr, emphasizing the rotational strategy that aims to keep every player ready and engaged. He added, "I'm not going to answer your next question, which is if he plays, who doesn't. But we're going to need him, and part of this job for me is to keep everybody engaged and ready, because my experience with this is crazy stuff happens."
Kerr's decision to feature three centers—Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, and Bam Adebayo—was pivotal. This strategy aimed to counter Serbia's imposing frontcourt, a move that paid off handsomely. By dominating the paint and controlling the boards, Team USA established their superiority early and maintained it throughout the game.
The Derrick White Factor
Coming off the bench, Derrick White proved to be a game-changer. His performance was instrumental, contributing to a +15 point differential when he was on the floor. This spark off the bench provided Team USA with the depth and versatility needed to overcome the Serbian challenge.
Kerr, who has extensive experience as an assistant coach in both the 2019 World Cup in China and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, as well as head coaching duties at the World Cup in Manila last summer, drew on his rich background to navigate the complexities of lineup decisions. "The hardest part of this job is you're sitting at least a couple of guys who are world-class, some of the very best players on Earth. On one hand, it makes no sense at all. On the other, I'm asking these guys to just commit to winning one game and then move on to the next one. I have to do the same thing. And so I felt like last night those were the combinations that made the most sense," Kerr elaborated.
Looking Ahead to South Sudan
As Team USA prepares to face South Sudan in their next game, Kerr's rotational strategy will be put to the test again. In their previous encounter, South Sudan drained 14 three-pointers and pushed Team USA to a narrow one-point victory. With their fast-paced style, South Sudan presents a different kind of challenge. "With South Sudan, it's more about the speed, and speed is a killer. You have to be prepared for everything, and that means we need everybody," noted Kerr.
Tatum, who averaged 6.7 points in Team USA's five exhibition games, will be expected to play a crucial role in countering South Sudan's speed and perimeter shooting. In his recent appearance in London, Tatum played 16 minutes and scored nine points, showing his readiness to contribute when called upon.
Team USA's dominant start, coupled with Kerr's strategic acumen and the depth of the roster, sets a promising stage for their Olympic journey. As they advance, the ability to adapt and leverage their extensive talent pool will be critical in navigating the diverse challenges posed by their opponents.