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USA's Steve Kerr Says Joel Embiid Benching Due to Matchup; Center to Start Next Game

Related Topics: Steve Kerr, Joel Embiid

Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

Joel Embiid, who had regularly been starting for Team USA at center, did not see the court at all during the Americans' 103-86 win over Sudan.

Head coach Steve Kerr told reporters after the game that the decision was based solely on the matchup:

"This is the fastest team in the tournament we're going to play," he added. "We wanted to match up. They made 14 threes against us in London. The whole game today was going to be about switching and staying in front of people.