Worrying about which superstar player might not play on a given night isn’t a problem for Team USA. In fact, it might be their trademark. The team’s incredible depth often leads to tough decisions for the coaching staff on how to manage it, but it’s this depth that fuels the Americans as they aim for their fifth consecutive gold medal.
On Wednesday, Team USA’s depth was the driving force in their 103-86 victory against South Sudan, moving them to 2-0 in Olympic play and securing a spot in next week’s quarterfinals. The bench was particularly effective, scoring 66 points compared to just 14 from South Sudan’s bench, and going on two key runs that defined the game.
Dominant Bench Performance
The bench’s performance was a standout, with former NBA MVP Joel Embiid, who started previously, not playing at all in this game. Jayson Tatum, who was benched in the last game, moved into the starting lineup. Bam Adebayo, getting extended minutes because Embiid sat out, had one of his best games ever with the national team. Adebayo came off the bench to score 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting and grabbed seven rebounds, leading six players who scored in double figures.
Kevin Durant continued to shine off the bench, scoring 14 points. Derrick White also contributed with 10 points, three steals, and a block, showcasing excellent defense.
Game-Changing Substitutions
In the previous game against Serbia, Durant’s entrance off the bench in the first quarter was crucial. Similarly, against South Sudan, with the score tied at 10-10 six minutes into the game, Kerr sent in his substitutes. The shift was significant, with a group including Durant, White, Adebayo, Jrue Holiday, and Anthony Edwards turning the game around. This lineup, full of strong defenders and offensive talent, went on a 23-4 run during the first and second quarters, essentially securing the win.
South Sudan, with their athleticism and former NBA players, put up a fight. Nuni Omot and Bul Kuol scored 24 and 16 points, respectively, cutting the lead from 19 points to 10 against the American starters. However, the U.S. bench extended the lead back to 16 points by the end of the third quarter.
In the final quarter, starters LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Devin Booker, who combined for 30 points, ensured the lead remained comfortable. After the game, Kerr announced that Embiid and Holiday would return to the starting lineup for the next game against Puerto Rico. Addressing the second-guessing of his lineup choices, Kerr stressed the importance of the team’s commitment and focus on winning gold.
Kerr’s Rotation Strategy
U.S. coach Steve Kerr emphasized that this rotation and depth are here to stay. “We have an embarrassment of riches on this roster, that’s the best way to put it,” Kerr said. “These guys are all champions, All-Stars, Hall of Famers, however you want to put it. So the whole thing is, are we committed to the goal? That’s it.”
The NBA is so popular worldwide, and the regular season is kind of a soap opera, so we understand that and social media takes over and everything becomes so dramatic,” Kerr said. “I think we need to give these guys more credit. They’re here to win a gold medal. They’re pros. They’re committed to each other.”
Team USA’s Star-Studded Lineup
It’s tempting and natural to pay attention to who starts these high-profile games. On this night, it was particularly intriguing because Tatum, who was the odd man out in a controversial decision against Serbia, was with the opening group. As were LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Anthony Davis, players with six MVPs and nine championship rings among them. But focusing only on the starters misses the underlying power of this roster.
When the group of Durant, White, Adebayo, Jrue Holiday, and Anthony Edwards came in, it changed the game. This group is filled with excellent defenders and still plenty of offensive punch.
“I just think Steve trusts us,” Adebayo said. “I feel like he looks at the benches, that spark, to come off the bench and really give us a boost, and we did that tonight.”
South Sudan’s Effort
South Sudan, which has excellent athleticism with a group of former NBA players and shooters, is a great story and a dangerous team with a bright future. But it just can’t compete against that depth. That U.S. group, supplemented by Devin Booker, went on a 23-4 run during the first and second quarters that essentially decided the game. The group reprised the role in the second half when South Sudan, led by hot shooting from Nuni Omot (24 points) and Bul Kuol (16), cut the lead from 19 points to 10 against the American starters. Then the bench pushed it to 16 points by the end of the third quarter.
Maintaining the Lead
In the final quarter, starters LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Devin Booker, who combined for 30 points, made plays down the stretch to keep the lead comfortable. Kerr announced after the game that Embiid and Holiday will return to the starting lineup Saturday when Team USA wraps up pool play against Puerto Rico. And then, knowing there has been a fair amount of second-guessing his lineup decisions already, he made it clear he was ignoring that.
“The NBA is so popular worldwide, and the regular season is kind of a soap opera, and so we understand that and social media takes over and everything becomes so dramatic,” Kerr said. “And I think we need to give these guys more credit. They’re here to win a gold medal. They’re pros. They’re committed to each other.”
Looking Ahead
With their depth and strategic rotations, Team USA continues to be a formidable force. Their next game against Puerto Rico will further test their adaptability and depth as they strive for another gold medal. The team’s ability to leverage its depth, keeping star players fresh and maintaining a high level of play throughout the game, will be crucial as they advance in the tournament.
Team USA’s victory over South Sudan showcased the strength of their bench and the strategic depth that sets them apart from other teams. As they move forward in the tournament, this depth will continue to be their greatest asset, enabling them to adapt to different challenges and maintain their dominance on the path to the gold medal. The rotation strategy of Coach Steve Kerr, combined with the commitment and professionalism of the players, highlights why Team USA remains a powerhouse in international basketball.
