Kevin Durant Sparks Team USA in Victory Over Serbia
In a commanding performance off the bench, Kevin Durant led Team USA to a dominating win over Serbia. Absent from the action was Jayson Tatum, who remained on the sidelines with his finger heavily wrapped, never removing his warmup shirt. It marked a rare occasion where Tatum's talents were not on display, a decision which head coach Steve Kerr did not take lightly.
Kerr addressed the decision to bench Tatum, stating, "With Kevin coming back, I just went to the combinations that I felt made the most sense." The strategic choice paid dividends as Durant's return to the lineup solidified a winning combination. Kerr admitted, "I thought I was crazy when I looked at everything and determined these are the lineups I wanted to get to."
Despite the success, Kerr acknowledged the inherent difficulties in making such decisions, revealing, "It's really hard in a 40-minute game to play more than 10 guys." Alongside Durant's stellar performance, Devin Booker and Anthony Edwards contributed significantly, combining for 23 points and shooting an impressive 6-of-8 from beyond the arc.
The game's defensive schemes underscored Team USA's dominance, with an emphasis on point-of-attack pressure. Even without contributions from Tyrese Haliburton, who did not see any action, Team USA showcased its depth and strategic flexibility.
Looking ahead, Kerr has set his sights on the upcoming match against South Sudan, a fixture that presents another tactical challenge. He emphasized that matchups will continue to dictate player involvement, noting, "Every game's going to be different based on matchups." Yet, Kerr remains confident in Tatum's eventual return to the court. "Tatum is going to play," he asserted, voicing his confidence in the player's readiness for the next two group-stage games against South Sudan and Puerto Rico.
Reflecting on the game against Serbia, Kerr expressed some regret, stating, "I feel like an idiot" for not playing Tatum. However, the focus remains on the ultimate goal. "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," Kerr emphasized. The path to achieving this goal involves meticulous preparation and adaptability, particularly with the prospect of facing a formidable team like Canada in the future.
As Team USA gears up for the clash against South Sudan on Wednesday, Kerr is prepared to explore various scenarios, including smaller lineup configurations. The team's strategic approach and depth will be critical in navigating the challenges ahead. With Tatum expected to rejoin the action and Durant back in form, Team USA aims to maintain its dominance and secure the victories needed to achieve their six-game objective.
The journey continues, and as Kerr and his squad prepare for the next test, they carry the lessons from past games and the unwavering determination to emerge victorious.