Team USA Dominates Serbia in Olympic Opener, Tatum's Absence Raises Eyebrows

In a strong start to their Paris Olympics campaign, Team USA men's basketball triumphed over Serbia with a decisive 110-84 victory. The win showcased the team's potential, but the absence of star player Jayson Tatum from the game raised questions among fans and analysts alike. Head coach Steve Kerr acknowledged his oversight in not utilizing Tatum during the match, expressing regret over the decision. Kerr candidly admitted, "I felt like an idiot not playing him," highlighting the challenge of managing player rotations in a 40-minute game. He opted to deploy ten players, including Tatum's Boston Celtics teammates Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, who joined the team later in the summer. Kerr explained that the limited playing time was a strategic choice influenced by the return of Kevin Durant and the desired lineups. Despite not stepping onto the court, Tatum's professionalism shone through, as Kerr noted that he had communicated the possibility of limited minutes to the player prior to the game. Tatum, a three-time first-team All-NBA selection, is expected to play a significant role as the tournament progresses. Looking ahead, Team USA will face South Sudan on July 31 in Lille, France. This matchup is particularly noteworthy, as South Sudan previously challenged Team USA during an exhibition in London, where LeBron James secured a narrow victory with a last-minute layup.