Steve Kerr Explains Why Jayson Tatum Didn’t Play Against Serbia Again: ‘It’s Just A Math Problem’

After Team USA beat Serbia to advance to the gold medal game, Steve Kerr was asked why Jayson Tatum — one of the best players in the NBA — didn’t play again. 

Kerr didn’t play Tatum against Serbia in the group-play game either. 

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

USA was down by 17 points at one point. 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.