Lineup Shuffle Leads to Victory: Tatum Shines, Embiid Benched

The U.S. Olympic basketball team made significant lineup changes, with Jayson Tatum starting and Joel Embiid benched in their win against South Sudan. Coach Steve Kerr's strategy focuses on matchups and flexibility. Tatum, who missed the opener, stepped up, while Embiid stayed in reserve. The team aims for Olympic gold.

Jayson Tatum transitioned from not playing to starting, while Joel Embiid moved from starting to not playing in the U.S. Olympic basketball team's 103-86 victory against South Sudan.

The game saw Tatum and Anthony Davis in the starting lineup after missing the opener against Serbia, replacing Jrue Holiday and Embiid, who didn't play at all. This reshuffling aligns with Coach Steve Kerr's strategy of flexible matchups and combinations throughout the Olympics.

Kevin Durant praised the players for their adaptability, noting the team's commitment to winning gold. Kerr confirmed that Tatum was always slated for the lineup against South Sudan, emphasizing the team's focus on winning each game in Paris. Tatum, aiming for his second Olympic gold, expressed excitement about contributing to the victory.

(With inputs from agencies.)