Jayson Tatum was set alight by fans after missing an open three-pointer in Team USA’s game against South Sudan at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
After sitting on the bench for the Americans’ opening win over Serbia, the newly crowned NBA champion got the starting booing on Wednesday, joining LeBron James, Steph Curry, Anthony Davis and Devin Booker against a South Sudanese team that nearly defeated them in an exhibition earlier in July.
However, early in the game, James threw a pass to Tatum for an open three before the Celtics star missed horribly and hit the side of the backboard. As a result, fans took to the comments section to criticize him for the miss.
“Building a house abroad with all those stones,” one user wrote.
“Derrick White is wearing that ass again,” added another.
Jayson Tatum was booed by American fans for missing an open three-pointer against South Sudan
“Now people won’t wonder why he didn’t play in the first game,” said a third.
The spot comes on the heels of Boston’s NBA Finals triumph over the Dallas Mavericks in June. After securing his first NBA title, Tatum was trolled for his cringe-worthy attempts to create an iconic moment to commemorate his team’s victory.
Despite this, the Americans won convincingly 103-86, securing a 2-0 score in the group stage and a spot in the quarterfinals.
Tatum clocked in just over 17 minutes and finished with four points, making two of four shots from the field. He also grabbed five rebounds, two assists and a block.
Your browser does not support iframes.
Users trolled the Boston Celtics star on X after he hit the side of the backboard on Wednesday
Tatum played 17 minutes and finished with four points, hitting two of four shots
Bam Adebayo led with 18 points, seven rebounds and two blocks as the US won 103-86
Bam Adebayo led the United States with 18 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in 20 minutes of play. The Miami Heat big man was nearly perfect from the field, making eight of 10 field goals, including two of three from behind the arc.
Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, James and White scored 14, 13, 12 and 10 points respectively.
Meanwhile, South Sudan’s Nuni Omot was top scorer with 24 points.
Now that they have secured their spot in the quarterfinals, the Americans will play their final group match against Puerto Rico on August 3.