Team USA men’s basketball head coach Steve Kerr is no stranger to courting controversy with some of his rotational decisions in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Golden State Warriors coach made a choice that is sure to inflame two fanbases in the first half of Saturday’s ongoing gold medal matchup between the U.S. and Team France.
Kerr opted to sit Indiana Pacers All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, as he did during the team’s 95-91 semifinal victory over Team Serbia, and All-Defensive Boston Celtics point guard Derrick White.
Kerr has generally counted on White’s defense and 3-point shooting off the bench throughout these games. White was a late addition to the team, joining Boston colleagues Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday only after All-NBA L.A. Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard was sent home during the team’s training sessions in Las Vegas.
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Haliburton, meanwhile, has
The Americans currently lead Team France by just eight points, 49-41, at the break.
Only one U.S. player, Phoenix Suns All-Star shooting guard Devin Booker, has scored in double digits. The 6-foot-5 wing has 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the field (2-of-3 from long) and 1-of-1 foul line shooting so far, plus two rebounds and two assists.
For France, ex-NBA small forward Guerschon Yabusele has 14 points on 5-of-10 shooting, while Victor Wembanyama has 13 points on 6-of-10 shooting from the floor, five rebounds and two assists.
The U.S. has made an emphasis on passing. To wit, Team USA has made 13 assists on 19 field goals.
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