Kevin Durant's return to the court proved instrumental for Team USA's commanding victory over Serbia, showcasing the depth and strategic flexibility inherent in Coach Steve Kerr's squad. Durant, who came off the bench, led the team decisively, filling the void left by the absence of Jayson Tatum, who remained benched due to concerns about a heavily wrapped finger.
Tatum stayed on the sidelines for the entire game against Serbia, his potential impact muted by precautionary measures. The decision to rest Tatum was a calculated one, with Kerr emphasizing the strategic combinations that Durant's return allowed him to employ. "With Kevin coming back, I just went to the combinations that I felt made the most sense," Kerr noted, acknowledging the challenges and complexities in his choices.
Indeed, Kerr admitted the difficulty in juggling such a deep roster: "It's really hard in a 40-minute game to play more than 10 guys." Despite these constraints, Team USA did not falter, maintaining their dominance on the court with notable contributions from Devin Booker and Anthony Edwards. The duo combined for 23 points, demonstrating remarkable efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc, where they converted six of eight attempts.
Tyrese Haliburton, another key player, did not see any action against Serbia, reflecting Kerr's emphasis on matchup-based strategies. "Every game's going to be different based on matchups," Kerr asserted, highlighting the tactical adaptability required for international competition.
Moving forward, the next challenge looms with the game against South Sudan on Wednesday. This upcoming match presents another tactical puzzle for Kerr, who is preparing different scenarios, including the possibility of implementing a smaller lineup. Kerr remains confident in Tatum's readiness, expecting his participation in the next two group-stage games against South Sudan and Puerto Rico. "Tatum is going to play," Kerr stated, offering reassurance about the forward's upcoming involvement.
The primary objective for Team USA remains clear: to secure six consecutive wins and achieve their 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, underscoring the collective focus required to succeed on the international stage.
Beyond the immediate game plan, Team USA is also keeping an eye on potential future opponents, with Canada potentially looming on the horizon. In preparation, Kerr's strategic planning includes emphasizing defensive schemes focused on point-of-attack pressure, a testament to the meticulous approach being applied to each matchup.
Kerr candidly admitted the emotional and intellectual labor involved in his role, confessing, "I thought I was crazy when I looked at everything and determined these are the lineups I wanted to get to." Yet, his confidence in his decisions underscores the trust he places in his assessments and the depth of talent available to him.
As Team USA continues to navigate the complexities of international competition, the adjustments and decisions made by Kerr will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping their success. The forthcoming game against South Sudan presents another opportunity for Kerr's strategies to be tested, and for Tatum to potentially reassert his presence on the court.