Why Jayson Tatum did not play against Serbia? Closer look at Team USA star's absence

Amid the celebrations for Team USA's 95-91 win against Serbia on Thursday, fans can't seem to ignore Jayson Tatum's lack of playing time during the game. The Americans mounted the comeback in the semifinal against the Serbians at the 2024 Paris Olympics while Tatum watched from the bench.

Looking at the injury report for Team USA, the star forward wasn't included on the list. There were no players on the list with uncertain or injured status. However, the Boston Celtics star logged zero minutes tonight. It was the coach's decision not to play Tatum in a tough game against Serbia.

The forward wasn't alone on the bench as Tyrese Haliburton accompanied him. Both All-Stars logged zero playing time tonight as the national team relied heavily on the production of Steph Curry, LeBron James and Joel Embiid.

Other Celtics players, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, got ample playing time. Holiday started the game and was on the court for 20 minutes. He finished with three points and seven assists. White, on the other hand, played for almost seven minutes off the bench and had a steal.

This is the second time head coach Steve Kerr didn't play Tatum against Serbia. The team started their Olympic tournament against the Nikola Jokic-led team and had a 110-84 win. Despite the blowout win, however, Kerr opted not to play the Celtics star.

Fans look forward to seeing Tatum in action on Saturday as Team USA faces France in the gold medal game.

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Quinn Cook on Jayson Tatum's lack of playing time with Team USA

Two-time NBA champion Quinn Cook shared his thoughts on Jayson Tatum's lack of playing time for Team USA in the Olympics. There were expectations that Kerr would not revert to sitting him after their first game, but he did it again on Thursday.

Given that the team is loaded with talent, it's understandable if certain players might not see the floor. However, it came as a surprise to see Tatum on the bench two times against the same opponent.

"Jayson Tatum will win MVP this season! Three straight All-NBA first teams, winning a gold medal in 2021 while being the 2nd leading scorer on the team and just won his first NBA championship to not playing a minute for team USA 🤔🤔 all the motivation he needs. Look out NBA," Cook posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Tatum received some minutes in Team USA's quarterfinal matchup against Brazil, and he finished with five points and three rebounds in the 122-87 win.