In a commanding start to their 2024 Paris Olympics campaign, Team USA handed Serbia a resounding 110-84 defeat. This first victory of the tournament showcased the depth and versatility of the American squad, but it didn't come without some notable lineup changes that stirred discussions among fans and analysts alike.
Durant's Return Shakes Up Lineup
One of the most significant adjustments was the reintroduction of Kevin Durant into the lineup. Durant, who had been absent from the five exhibition games leading up to the Olympics, made a strong return, effectively taking Jayson Tatum's place in the rotation against Serbia. Head Coach Steve Kerr addressed the media post-game, shedding light on the decision.
"Kerr told reporters that the DNP-CD was mostly a result of getting Durant in the mix." The move seemed more like a strategy to reintegrate Durant rather than any shortcoming on Tatum's part. Kerr further explained his decision-making process, saying, "I went with the combinations that made sense. That was for tonight. He handled it well. He'll make his mark."
Impact of the New Starting Lineup
The starting five against Serbia featured Stephen Curry, Jrue Holiday, Devin Booker, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid. This combination proved effective not only offensively but also in maintaining a steadfast defense. Joel Embiid, who had missed recent practices due to illness, managed to step up and contribute significantly to the victory.
Within this formidable lineup, LeBron James and Curry orchestrated the offense with precision, while Booker added his sharpshooting skills. Holiday’s defensive prowess and Embiid's presence in the paint rounded out a balanced and potent unit. The result was a cohesive team performance that left Serbia struggling to keep pace.
Key Absences and Adjustments
While Tatum remained on the bench, his absence was felt throughout the game. His contribution during the exhibition games, where he averaged 17.6 minutes, had been a valuable asset. However, Tatum appeared unfazed by the shift, reassuring reporters about his status with a simple, "No, I'm good."
Another key player, Tyrese Haliburton, was sidelined and did not play against Serbia. This left Derrick White to take on the role of running point with the second unit for the last two-and-a-half games. White’s ability to command the floor ensured there was minimal drop-off in performance when the starting lineup needed rest, further demonstrating Team USA's depth.
Looking Ahead
With this initial victory behind them, Team USA now turns its focus to upcoming games against South Sudan on Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET and Puerto Rico next Sunday at 11:15 a.m. ET. These matches will provide further opportunities for Kerr to experiment with his lineup combinations and give each player a chance to make their mark.
Fans and analysts will undoubtedly keep a close watch on Tatum’s involvement in the coming games, especially with Durant’s return adding a new dynamic to the team. Kerr's approach to using his star-studded roster will be crucial as Team USA progresses through the tournament.
As the Olympics unfold, the balance between preserving team chemistry and integrating individual talents will be key. The emphatic win over Serbia is an encouraging start, but the road to gold is long and filled with formidable opponents.
For now, Team USA has set a high benchmark, affirming their status as a dominant force in international basketball. Whether this will translate into Olympic glory remains to be seen, but the early signs are promising for Kerr's squad.