Davis was one of two changes to the starting lineup ahead of the team’s second game in Paris
ANTHONY Davis’ first start for Team USA in Paris has gotten off to an impressive start.
The Los Angeles Lakers star, 31, replaced Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers in the starting lineup for their 103-86 win against South Sudan on Wednesday.
Anthony Davis (left) and Jayson Tatum (right) were given their first start of the Olympics against South SudanCredit: Reuters
Davis replaced Joel Emiid in the starting lineupCredit: Reuters
NBC’s Noah Eagle called Davis’ early block ‘a pogo stick rejection’Credit: Getty
Just under two minutes into their Group C game at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium, Steve Kerr’s team had already built up a 6-0 lead.
Then in a stunning case of being in the right place at the right time, Davis pulled off an excellent block to keep South Sudan off the scoreboard.
Inspired by Davis’ play, NBC announcer Noah Eagle delivered an excellent response, describing it as “a pogo stick rejection.”
Davis coming in for Embiid was one of two changes to the starting lineup made by Kerr.
The other saw Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum step in for NBA teammate Jrue Holliday.
The addition of Davis proved hugely popular with fans, who quickly flooded X with praise for the decision.
“Finally! Steve Kerr came to his senses” one fan said.
“The right decision,” a second commented.
“Finally,” added another.
While a fourth replied, “Took long enough.”
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Embiid – who ultimately did not play against South Sudan – played just 11 minutes in Team USA’s first group game against Serbia.
In the 110-84 win, he managed a total of just four points, two rebounds, and no assists.
Coming off the bench, Davis completed 17 minutes, adding seven points, eight rebounds, and an assist.
The stars of the show were, perhaps unsurprisingly, LeBron James and Kevin Durant.
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Despite their combined age of 74, they took over the game.
Durant’s 23 points were a game-high, while James was just behind his teammate with 21.
Most notably, however, Kerr opted against playing Tatum at all.
“I felt like an idiot not playing him,” Kerr admitted to ESPN on Sunday.
“But in a 40-minute game, you can’t play more than 10. You really can’t.
“I think he’s an amazing guy, great player, and he’ll be back out there next game.”
