Team USA overcame a first-quarter deficit to win the exhibition game because to the defensive, finishing, and secondary playmaking contributions of Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday.
In the week preceding Team USA’s inaugural scrimmage, Jayson Tatum reiterated his message from the Celtics’ championship campaign. He stated that it is irrelevant who starts and that the United States will win another gold medal if the talented group they assembled to get revenge for their dismal performance at the World Cup last summer could all make sacrifices.
In Team USA’s first exhibition prior to the Olympics, Tatum came off the bench in favor of Jrue Holiday, despite Kevin Durant (calf) sitting out and Kawhi Leonard withdrawing on Wednesday. Tatum excelled in a role that was even more simplified than the one Holiday played; he attempted seven shots and concentrated on defense, passing, and driving. Holiday played a role that was similar to the one he adapted to in Boston. The USA team won by 14 points, and he did not attempt a three-point shot during the 86-72 victory.
Tatum already showing why he’s the best player on Team USA 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/cLOXvSRLbQ
— Payton Pritchard Muse (@CryptoPmuse) July 11, 2024
The US was able to overcome their early offensive setbacks that led to an 11-2 deficit thanks to the Celtics’ alignment. They committed seven turnovers in the opening seven possessions, going on to finish 18 of 27 (66.6%) while switching up their lineups often. When Tatum made his first-ever appearance, Holiday had already missed his opening three-point try and pulled down two rebounds before leaving with Canada leading 12–4. Tatum finished the quarter with a game-winning layup via contract after opening the play with a driving make. As the US narrowed the Canadian advantage to 21-14, he halted Kelly Olynyk in the post and fed Anthony Davis for a finish inside.
Tatum fell during one transition and gave the ball away, demonstrating that he was not immune to some of the offensive sloppiness and stagnancy that characterized the game’s opening minutes. With a 3-for-3 start, Olynyk embarrassed the US, Dillon Brooks shoved LeBron James twice in the first quarter, and Joel Embiid and Anthony Edwards were quickly cast aside. With more rhythm, the team scored 27 points in the second quarter, with Tatum setting the example for Tyrese Haliburton with an outlet pass that ended up being a skip pass to Edwards for two. The next possession saw the US grab four offensive rebounds, demonstrating their increased strength in that area—an area Grant Hill had emphasized during the team’s development.
In his pregame remarks, Hill defended the choice of Derrick White over Jaylen Brown to take Leonard’s place, pointing to the need for a variety of roles and refuting any involvement from Nike. Holiday, who didn’t play on Wednesday, gave a sneak peek at their connecting abilities by putting Embiid through a narrow window to equalize the score at 23. Then, he stopped Nickeil Alexander-Walker on the other end and supplied Devin Booker in transition for the game-winning basket. With Embiid grabbing a pass from Steph Curry inside and flipping it to Booker in the other corner, the US never looked back and forced Canada into a timeout.
After Holiday finished a transition layup with his left hand trailing Curry, Tatum returned with the US up by four. He made two more trips to the rim before spinning into a finish to close the half and shake Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. 41–33 was the US lead.
JAYSON TATUM. 🔥🔥🔥
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 11, 2024
With a more consistent ball handling display in the third quarter—which culminated in a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Edwards on the left wing—the US increased their lead to 69-54. Curry opened the 28–21 game with back-to-back threes, the second of which was assisted by Holiday’s tip offensive rebound. Curry’s driving and-one finish stood between the shots. He dropped into a position at the baseline, the shine of the redesigned US squad becoming more noticeable after the opening one. Halfway through the third quarter, Tatum missed his first shot. He then drove from the corner, finding Davis for a three-point play just as Davis was breaking free of his defender.
He finished the game 4-for-7, only making two-pointers, with two assists, a steal, and a block after picking up a block in the fourth quarter. The two Celtics combined for 19 points in the fourth quarter as Holiday added a three on a 5-for-8 shooting effort. Holiday’s minutes were dominated by Team USA, who led by as much as 16 points in the fourth quarter after Canada used up all of its reserves with 5:26 left. With 13 points off the bench, Edwards led the squad. Davis pulled down 11 rebounds and blocked four attempts. With six assists, Haliburton led all passers. Canada was limited to 21.2% from three points and 33.8% from the field by the US defense.
Curry responded, “If we can commit to that defense.” “We’ll be alright with anyone.”
Next week, the US will play two more exhibition matches in Abu Dhabi, on Monday and Wednesday, against Australia and Serbia. That’s probably where Tatum and Holiday will reunite with White.