Team USA have an embarrassment of riches in terms of talent. Head coach Steve Kerr can practically roll out any first-five combination and the Americans would still be viewed as massive favorites against whichever opponent they have on a given night.
Against South Sudan on Wednesday, Kerr tried a different starting lineup, with Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum inserted into the unit after getting benched in a previous matchup against Serbia. Also, Kerr went with Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers, instead of Joel Embiid, who had started in the Serbia game.
Kerr explained his decision to tinker with the starting lineup.
Via Ben Golliver of the Washington Post:
USA’s Steve Kerr on his starting lineup changes vs. South Sudan: “This is the fastest team in the tournament we’re going to play. We wanted to match up. They made 14 threes against us in London. The whole game today was going to be about switching and staying in front of people.”
Kerr can’t be second-guessed for his decisions. Team USA went out and blew South Sudan out of the water, as they came away with a 103-86 victory.
Embiid did not see action, but Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo stepped up big time, as he scored 18 points to go with seven rebounds while shooting 8/10 from the floor. Tatum had four points on 2/4 shooting and also grabbed five rebounds.
Team USA will look to go 3-0 when they face Puerto Rico on Saturday to finish group play.
