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[Saba Sports News] Steve Kerr left fans scratching their heads with one particular decision in Team USA’s first official game of the Summer Olympics, and his explanation didn’t provide much clarity.
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum didn’t play at all in Team USA’s 110-84 win over Serbia on Sunday. This was surprising, considering Tatum averaged nearly 18 minutes per game during exhibition play and is considered one of the best players in the world.
Kerr explained to reporters after the game that he “went with the combinations that made sense.”
“I went with the combinations that made sense. That was for tonight,” Kerr said. “He handled it well. He’ll make his mark.” Some speculated that Tatum might have been unwell, but the five-time All-Star insisted he was “good.”
Tyrese Haliburton was the only other Team USA player who didn’t see any action, though his absence was less surprising than Tatum’s. The victory gave Kerr some leeway to justify his decisions.
Sunday belonged to Kevin Durant, who returned from a calf injury and dominated Serbia. Tatum will just have to wait for his moment to shine in Paris.