Team USA head coach Steve Kerr lauded Kevin Durant's skill and resilience after returning from a long injury layoff to deliver a brilliant performance against Serbia. Kerr also commended LeBron James for his exceptional leadership and game-changing play.
Despite a comfortable Team USA win against Serbia, one of the biggest topics after the game was the fact that Jayson Tatum was left on the bench.
After the game, Team USA head coach Steve Kerr admitted that it was his decision
"I felt like an idiot not playing him," Kerr said after the game. "But in a 40-minute game, you can't play more than 10. You really can't. So I think he's an amazing guy, a great player, and handled it beautifully. He'll be back out there next game. It's tough, but Jason handled it really well."
Despite Tatum's absence, Kerr reassured that his role would change based on matchups and the dynamics of each game.
"I talked to him before the game about the possibility, just with Kevin coming back and the lineups I wanted to get to. But that'll change. Jason's going to play. Every game is going to be different based on matchups. He's a total pro and an amazing player. He handled it beautifully, and he'll be back out there next game."
Kerr was also full of praise for Kevin Durant and LeBron James following their impressive performances.
Durant, who had not played five-on-five basketball since April, stepped into a bench role in the 27,000-seat arena and delivered an outstanding performance.
Kerr, who coached Durant with the Golden State Warriors, expressed his admiration for Durant's skills and resilience.
"It was incredible but not surprising," Kerr stated.
"Given what I've seen from Kevin in the past, I think he's the most skilled basketball player I've ever seen. The game just comes so easily for him, and a long layoff like that doesn't seem to bother him. He was brilliant tonight and obviously just shifted the game as soon as he got on the floor."
LeBron James also earned high praise from Kerr for his leadership and complete game against a high-quality opponent.
James, known for his ability to elevate his play when stakes are high, showcased his experience and strategic energy use to lead the team.
"LeBron had another level that he was going to get to following the five friendly games we played," Kerr noted.
"Spo [Erik Spoelstra] and Ty Lue both told me, when the stakes are at their highest, he's at his best. At 39, for him to still be doing this is amazing. He was really good in the friendlies, but there's a different level of energy that he brought tonight, and we needed that."
Game highlights
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