Why Jayson Tatum didn’t play in the US win over Serbia Originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
Team USA’s victory over Serbia to open the 2024 Paris Olympics was bittersweet for Boston Celtics fans.
While Jrue Holiday shined in the United States’ 110-84 victoryFellow star Jayson Tatum mysteriously sat on the bench for the entire game. He and Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton were the only Team USA players not to log minutes.
Some speculated that Tatum did not play due to illness, but he denied that theory after the game, according to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe.
Team USA coach Steve Kerr confirmed that Tatum was not benched due to illness or injury. The 2024 NBA champion was left out because Kerr “picked the combinations that made sense.”
“Jayson is going to play; every game is going to be different depending on the matchups,” Kerr said. He told ESPN’s Brian Windhorst after the game“He’s a total pro, he’s been on the All-NBA first team for three years in a row. I felt like an idiot for not putting him in, but you know, in a 40-minute game you can’t play more than 10 (players).
“With Kevin (Durant) coming back, I just went with the combinations that made the most sense to me. It sounds crazy. I thought I was crazy when I looked at everything and decided these were the lineups I wanted to go with.
“(Tatum) will leave his mark. Our guys know the key to this is to put everything NBA-related in the rearview mirror and win six games. Jayson is the ultimate professional and champion and he handled it well, and he’ll be ready for the next game.”
Tatum watched as future Hall of Famers Kevin Durant (23 points) and LeBron James (21 points) powered the Americans to victory. Holiday was a key contributor on both ends of the court with 15 points and two steals. The third Celtic on the roster, Derrick White, recorded two points with two steals and a block.
Tatum hopes to play a role in the U.S.’s upcoming match against South Sudan on Wednesday. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET.
