Jayson Tatum’s Mom Upset At Steve Kerr For Not Playing Her Son vs. Serbia

Jayson Tatum‘s mom is upset at Team USA head coach Steve Kerr for not playing her son against Serbia on August 8. Tatum is one of the best players in the NBA, but he didn’t play against Serbia in the group-play game or the semifinal game. 

No he not. But if you find out what’s going on please let me know – unacceptable and makes NO SENSE. https://t.co/vtz1W398XJ

— BCole_Esq (@Brandy_N_Cole) August 9, 2024

Team USA was down by 17 points to Serbia at one point. Although the Americans came back and won, they could have used Tatum’s scoring, shooting and defensive skills. 

“It’s not what I’m not seeing from Jayson,” Kerr said, via the Boston Globe. “It’s what I’ve seen from the other guys. Like I’ve said many times during this tournament and the last six weeks, it’s just hard to play 11 people, even in an NBA game.

“Our second unit was not great last night, but that group has been one of the bright spots on this team, especially on the defensive end. So it’s not about what Jayson is doing or not doing. It’s just about combinations and the way that group has played together, the way Kevin [Durant] has filled in since he came back from his injury. It’s just a math problem more than anything.”

Team USA defeated Serbia by a final score of 95-91. USA outscored Serbia 32-15 in the fourth quarter. 

NBA superstars LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Joel Embiid led the comeback. 

Curry, the greatest shooter in NBA history, led the way with 36 points. 

“You live for those moments,” Curry said. “About two minutes into the game tonight you realize I’m getting looks. They’re playing a different type of defense on us and obviously, they were scoring like crazy. … I shot three times last game and I wasn’t looking to force it because that’s not what the game called for.”

“I mean, I’m 39 years old going into my 22nd season. I don’t know how many opportunities and moments I’m going to get like this to be able to compete for something — compete for something big and playing in big games — and tonight was a big game,” LeBron said.

Team USA will face France in the gold medal game. It’s unknown if Tatum will play.