Tatum leads Team USA to victory over Czech Republic originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Jayson Tatum starred for Team USA on Saturday, leading them into the knockout stage of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The Boston Celtics All-Star dropped a game-high 27 points in USA Basketball's 119-84 victory over the Czech Republic. Seventeen of Tatum's points came in the fourth quarter.
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“I just told Jayson to act like he’s playing the Spurs. Every time he plays us he scores 90," Team USA head coach Gregg Popovich said after the game.
Tatum finished with a final stat line of 27 points (10-for-16), two rebounds, two blocks, and one assist in 24 minutes.
Also turning in a dominant performance was Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant. The former NBA MVP ended up with 23 points (8-for-11), eight rebounds and six assists.
Next, Team USA will compete in a single-elimination tournament consisting of the top eight teams from the group stage. Their next game will take place Tuesday, Aug. 3 against an opponent that is to be determined.
