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Jayson Tatum finally got some playing time for Team USA in the Olympic finals, but he didn’t capitalize on the moment.
During the team’s semifinal game vs Serbia, Team USA head coach Steve Kerr decided not to play Tatum.
“It’s not what I’m not seeing from Jayson. It’s what I’ve seen from the other guys. Like I’ve said many times during this tournament and this last six weeks, it’s just hard to play 11 people, even in an NBA game” said Kerr.
“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.”
Tatum’s mother later complained about her son’s playing time on social media.
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
On Saturday, Team USA played France in the gold medal game, and Tatum played 11 minutes in the game.
Unfortunately, Tatum only scored two points and had an embarrassing lowlight in the game.
Fans mocked Tatum for his performance against France on social media.
Tatum make a wish minutes in the gold medal game. Not my America
— B.W. Carlin (@BaileyCarlin) August 10, 2024
Jayson Tatum and his mom begged for playing time just to have him brick floaters and 3s in the biggest legacy game for kd lebron and Steph pic.twitter.com/8XXfjcGKNz
— John (@iam_johnw) August 10, 2024