Jayson Tatum sits out Team USA’s blowout win over Argentina with knee soreness

After playing nearly 55 minutes in two games over three days, Team USA sat Jayson Tatum with knee soreness. USA Basketball would go on to crush Argentina 108-80 on Tuesday night. The injury is not considered to be serious and Tatum is considered day-to-day and was rested as a precaution as the national team ramps up their preparation for the Olympics.

Despite the loss, Tatum was America’s best player in a start against Nigeria, going 4-for-7 for 15 points including 2-for-3 from behind the arc and seven rebounds. On Monday, Tatum couldn’t find his touch and missed eight of his twelve shots and all six of his three-pointers. After head coach Gregg Popovich said that Tatum would have been Team USA’s go-to players at the 2019 FIBA World Cup before he was lost to an ankle sprain, the Celtics All-Star has been leaned on this summer, playing nearly 28 minutes a game.

Tatum told The Globe’s Gary Washburn that coming into training camp with Team USA, he was finally 100% healthy after battling COVID and a grueling contracted regular season. But while his dad sat, Deuce did find his way to the floor:

USA Basketball continues their exhibition schedule on Friday in a rematch against Australia and Sunday vs. Spain. Both are considered gold medal threats when the Tokyo Olympics start on July 25th when Team USA officially opens up against France then Iran and the Czech Republic in the group phase.