Why Jayson Tatum Didn’t Play in Team USA’s Win Over Serbia

Why Jayson Tatum Didn’t Play in Team USA’s Win Over Serbia originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Team USA’s victory over Serbia at the opening of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris was a mixed bag for Boston Celtics fans.

While Jrue Holiday starred in the U.S.’s 110-84 win, fellow C’s 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 to not see any minutes.

Some speculated that Tatum would not play due to an illness, but according to Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe, he denied that theory after the game.

Team USA coach Steve Kerr confirmed that Tatum was not benched due to illness or injury. The 2024 NBA champion sat out because Kerr “picked the combinations that made sense.”

“Jayson’s going to play; every game is different, based on matchups,” Kerr told ESPN’s Brian Windhorst after the game. “He’s a true pro, he’s been first-team All-NBA three years in a row. I felt like an idiot not to play him, but you know, 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 seems crazy. I thought I was crazy when I looked at everything and decided that these were the lineups I wanted to go with.

“(Tatum will) make his mark. Our guys know the key to this whole thing is to get all the NBA stuff done and just win six games. Jayson is the ultimate pro and champion and he’s handled it well, and he’ll be ready for the next game.”

Tatum watched as future Basketball Hall of Famers Kevin Durant (23 points) and LeBron James (21 points) led the Americans to victory. Holiday was a key contributor at both ends of the court with 15 points and two steals. The third Celtic on the list, Derrick White, scored two points with two steals and a block.

Tatum hopes to play a role in the United States’ next match against South Sudan on Wednesday. Tipoff for that game is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET.