Team USA fans in Paris were thrilled to see America come from behind to beat Serbia in the men's basketball semifinal Thursday, but Celtics fans were a bit dismayed when Jayson Tatum rode the bench again.
The team struggled through much of the first three quarters, trailing behind Serbia, but ultimately won 95-91 for the chance to face France in the gold medal game.
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"I have not been that nervous and excited about a basketball game in, I can't remember when," said one fan. "It was intense."
Only one of the three Celtics on the roster started and scored. Jrue Holiday put up a three in the third quarter. Derrick White had a steal in the game.
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For the second time in the Olympics, Tatum didn't play a minute.
"Steve Kerr should be fired, he is a horrible coach," said Owen, a Celtics fan from Boston. "Jayson Tatum should have played."
"I love Jayson Tatum, but he was on the bench the whole match," added Pim, a Holland man wearing a Celtics jersey. "It was a little bit sad for me, but it was really amazing."
Team USA will face France Saturday for its fifth straight gold medal.
