Team USA Dominates Serbia in Olympic Opener, Tatum Set for Return

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 turned to coach Steve Kerr's decision to bench All-NBA player Jayson Tatum. Kerr confirmed that Tatum would return to the lineup for the upcoming 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, stating, "The hardest part of this job is you're sitting at least a couple of guys who are world-class." He noted the importance of focusing on one game at a time, as unexpected situations can arise during the competition. Derrick White emerged as a key contributor off the bench against Serbia, recording two steals and a block, while the team performed significantly better with him on the court. Looking ahead to the match against South Sudan, Kerr highlighted the need for Tatum's versatility, particularly against a team known for its athleticism and three-point shooting. Tatum's previous performance in exhibition games, where he averaged 6.7 points, indicates his potential impact. Kerr's strategy involves preparing for various scenarios, reinforcing the idea that every player is crucial to the team's success in the tournament.