Team USA emerged victorious once again, securing their fifth consecutive gold medal at the Paris Olympics with an impressive 98-87 win over France. The Boston Celtics were well represented on the team, boasting three players in Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, and Derrick White, the most of any NBA team. Each Celtic had a unique role to play on Team USA, and now that the Olympic basketball competition has concluded, it’s time to assess how each player performed.
Jayson Tatum, a first-team All-NBA wing, faced an interesting Olympics. He found himself benched for two games against Serbia, but started in matchups against South Sudan and Puerto Rico. Tatum also received 11 minutes off the bench in the gold medal game. The decision to bench Tatum raised some eyebrows, with coach Steve Kerr citing matchups as the main reason. However, many felt that Tatum, as a top-ten player, deserved more playing time. Despite this, Tatum’s contributions were still notable, particularly in the game against Puerto Rico where he put up a double-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists. Overall, he averaged 5.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game on 38 percent shooting from the field.
Jrue Holiday, another member of the Celtics, played a crucial role for Team USA. He started in four out of six games and was known for his defensive prowess and spot-up shooting. Holiday’s best performance came against Serbia, where he scored 15 points to go along with 4 rebounds and 3 assists. His all-around game and ability to gel with any lineup were key to Team USA’s success. Holiday averaged 7.6 points, 3.6 assists, and 1.8 steals while shooting an impressive 50 percent from three-point range.
Derrick White, the final Celtic on Team USA, may not have started like Holiday, but his impact was felt in every game he played outside of the gold medal game. Known for his elite defense and three-point shooting, White’s versatility allowed him to seamlessly blend in with any lineup. His standout game against South Sudan saw him score 10 points on perfect shooting from beyond the arc, while also contributing steals and a block. White’s performance highlighted the value of role players on Olympic rosters, proving that elite role players can be just as critical to a team’s success as top stars.
In the end, the Celtics’ trio of Tatum, Holiday, and White showcased their skills on the international stage, helping Team USA secure yet another gold medal. As the NBA season approaches, fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how their Olympic experiences translate to the upcoming basketball season.
