Team USA Dominates Serbia in Olympic Opener, Tatum's Role Under Scrutiny
- Jayson Tatum, an American basketball star, will represent his country in an Olympic game against South Sudan.
- The matchup highlights the growing recognition of South Sudan's participation in international sports.
- This event is a significant opportunity for both Tatum and the South Sudanese team.
PARIS – Team USA showcased a strong performance in their Olympic opener, defeating Serbia 110-84. The victory highlighted the depth of the American lineup, but attention quickly turned to head coach Steve Kerr's decision to bench All-NBA player Jayson Tatum. Kerr confirmed that Tatum would return to the starting lineup for Wednesday's match against South Sudan, emphasizing the need for every player to stay engaged throughout the tournament. Kerr acknowledged the challenge of managing a roster filled with elite talent, noting that it is difficult to sit world-class players. He praised Derrick White's contributions off the bench, as White recorded two steals and a block, helping the team maintain a plus-15 rating during his time on the court. Kerr's strategy involves focusing on winning one game at a time, despite the complexities of roster management. Looking ahead to the matchup against South Sudan, Kerr highlighted the importance of Tatum's versatility, particularly against a team known for its athleticism and three-point shooting. Tatum's ability to switch defensively on wings will be crucial, especially after his performance in a recent exhibition game where he scored nine points in 16 minutes. As Team USA prepares for their next challenge, Kerr reiterated the necessity of being adaptable and ready for any situation, reinforcing the idea that every player will be needed as the tournament progresses.