Team USA basketball cruised to an opening win over Serbia at the 2024 Olympics, but all the discussion after the victory was surrounding one player who didn't touch the court — Jayson Tatum.
The absence of the Celtics star took over what was a dominant showing by the Americans to start group play in Paris. Team USA head coach Steve Kerr elected not to play Tatum at all, even when the United States pulled away with a double-digit lead late in the game. Kerr said it was simply about matchups, and that Tatum would get his time.
So with the second game for the United States set for Wednesday afternoon, the biggest question heading into the contest would be about Tatum's minutes, and who may take a hit in playing time to get the 2024 NBA champion on the court.
The Sporting News tracked Tatum's minutes and stats against South Sudan at the 2024 Olympics.
MORE: Live results, highlights from USA vs. South Sudan Olympic basketball game
Jayson Tatum minutes today vs. South Sudan
Tatum was guaranteed to get more playing time today against South Sudan than he received against Serbia. After riding the bench for the entirety of the opener, Kerr elected to start him against South Sudan.
Fresh Starting 5 for 🇺🇸 #USABMNT vs 🇸🇸 South Sudan
— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) July 31, 2024
📺 @USANetwork @peacock#Paris2024 #Basketball pic.twitter.com/vGc2qOAYcA
Tatum played over 11 minutes in the first half but failed to record his first point until the third quarter.
He ended up playing 17:10 of the contest, the least of the five starts on Kerr's squad.
Jayson Tatum stats today vs. South Sudan
Final: USA 103, South Sudan 86
- Points: 4
- Rebounds: 5
- Assists: 2
- Steals: 0
- Blocks: 1
- TOs: 1
- FGs: 2-for-4
Team USA basketball schedule at 2024 Olympics
Team USA is in Group C alongside Serbia, South Sudan and Puerto Rico. The Americans' schedule for the group phase can be viewed below.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 28 | USA 110, Serbia 84 | 11:15 a.m. | NBC, Fubo |
| July 31 | USA 103, South Sudan 86 | 3 p.m. | USA, Fubo |
| Aug. 3 | USA vs. Puerto Rico | 11:15 a.m. | NBC, Fubo |
