Kevin Durant's electric performance off the bench propelled Team USA to a resounding victory over Serbia, reinforcing the squad's dominance on the court. Durant's return brought a shift in strategy by Coach Steve Kerr, who made the tough call to keep Jayson Tatum on the sidelines. Tatum's heavily wrapped finger and his steady presence in his warmup shirt underscored the rare absence of his talents during the game.
Coach Kerr shed light on his decision-making process, admitting the inherent difficulties. "With Kevin coming back, I just went to the combinations that I felt made the most sense," Kerr explained. Despite his confidence in his strategic choices, Kerr acknowledged the complexity of his role, specifically mentioning, "I thought I was crazy when I looked at everything and determined these are the lineups I wanted to get to."
Team USA's victory was not solely rested on Durant's shoulders. Devin Booker and Anthony Edwards shone brightly, contributing a combined 23 points while hitting 6-of-8 from beyond the arc. Their sharpshooting provided a significant boost, alleviating some of the offensive pressure usually carried by the more prominent stars.
Another notable absence from the game was Tyrese Haliburton, who saw no action. Kerr reiterated his tactical approach, emphasizing that "every game's going to be different based on matchups." This philosophy underscores the flexible, matchup-driven strategy Kerr employs, adjusting lineups based on the demands of each game.
The challenge of facing South Sudan looms next for Team USA, presenting another tactical puzzle for Kerr. Despite not participating against Serbia, Tatum's potential involvement is anticipated in the following two group-stage games against South Sudan and Puerto Rico. Kerr has voiced strong confidence in Tatum's preparedness, firmly stating, "Tatum is going to play."
With eyes set on winning six games to achieve their goal, Team USA remains focused and driven. Kerr articulated this overarching aim, 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." The looming possibility of facing Canada adds an extra layer of anticipation and preparation within Kerr's tactical considerations, which includes contemplating smaller lineups.
Defensively, Team USA aims to place considerable emphasis on point-of-attack pressure, a crucial element as they prepare for Wednesday's clash against South Sudan. Kerr's adaptive approach and depth in the roster will be pivotal as the team navigates through varying matchups and opposition strategies.
Despite the challenges and second-guessing himself for not including Tatum in the Serbia game, Kerr remains steadfast in his objective and his confidence in his team's adaptability. Reflecting on his choices, Kerr candidly admitted, "I feel like an idiot" for not playing Tatum against Serbia. Nevertheless, his focus remains resolute on the broader picture, ensuring the team is primed for success in the upcoming fixtures.
As the competition progresses, all eyes will be on how Team USA manages its lineup and tactics under Kerr's guidance, navigating the complexities of international basketball with the clear aim of maintaining their dominant stride in the tournament.