Kevin Durant's return to the court for Team USA provided a powerful boost as they secured a resounding victory over Serbia. Coming off the bench, Durant led the charge in what turned out to be a dominant performance for the team. The win, however, did not come without its own set of challenges orchestrated on the sidelines by Coach Steve Kerr.
Jayson Tatum, a pivotal player for Team USA, remained on the sidelines throughout the match. His finger was heavily wrapped, and he did not even remove his warmup shirt. This was a rare situation in which Tatum’s capabilities weren’t put to the test on the court. Regarding this decision, Coach Kerr addressed the rationale behind sidelining Tatum. "With Kevin coming back, I just went to the combinations that I felt made the most sense," said Kerr. He acknowledged the inherent complexities in his decision-making process but focused on the strategic balance necessary for the game.
The victory was bolstered not only by Durant but also by the performance of Devin Booker and Anthony Edwards, who collectively contributed 23 points to the scoreboard. The duo showcased their shooting prowess, hitting 6-of-8 from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton did not see any action, further highlighting Kerr's challenging task of optimizing player combinations within the limited 40-minute game time. "It's really hard in a 40-minute game to play more than 10 guys," Kerr remarked, emphasizing the difficulty of managing playing time and combinations.
Despite these internal adjustments, Team USA maintained its dominance and continued its pursuit of their goal: winning six games. Kerr pointed out the importance of this objective, stating, "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."
Looking ahead, the next tactical challenge for Kerr and his team is the upcoming game against South Sudan. Each game brings a different set of matchups and combinations to consider, which Kerr acknowledged by saying, "Every game's going to be different based on matchups." He is preparing for multiple scenarios, including the possibility of utilizing smaller lineups and focusing on point-of-attack pressure in their defensive strategy.
Tatum's potential involvement is eagerly anticipated in the forthcoming group-stage games against South Sudan and Puerto Rico. Kerr expressed his confidence in Tatum's readiness and confirmed his expectations, stating, "Tatum is going to play." This confidence is a reassuring indication that Tatum will be a part of the strategic efforts moving forward.
The match against South Sudan, set for Wednesday, adds another layer of complexity to Team USA's campaign. As Coach Kerr continues to navigate these tactical puzzles and player combinations, his focus remains firmly on achieving their ultimate goal. Despite facing potential future opponents like Canada, Kerr’s emphasis remains on immediate challenges, ensuring each game is approached with meticulous planning and adjustment.
In the wake of the Serbia match, Kerr reflected on the difficult decisions that come with coaching an elite squad. "I feel like an idiot" for not playing Tatum against Serbia, he conceded. This candid admission underscores the pressures and scrutiny that accompany his role. Yet, with a sharp eye on the goal and a roster packed with talent, Team USA presses forward, poised to execute their game plan with precision and determination.