While it has already been a long off-season for Celtics fans, they get to see their All-Star, Jayson Tatum, back on the court before October. Tatum will spend his summer in red, white, and blue as Team USA fights for the gold. Their journey began tonight as they opened up a series of exhibition games before heading to Tokyo. 

Team USA did not get the start they were looking for with an 87-90 upset against Nigeria; however, Tatum proved he can help lead a national team. The Boston forward made the starting lineup and finished the game with 15 points and seven rebounds.  

Many took to Twitter to praise Tatum’s performance as one of the game’s top performers despite being benched in the third quarter and not receiving the ball in the fourth. 

Nigeria’s win marks the first time an African team has defeated Team USA. With four more exhibition games before they begin their Olympic run, the United States look to defend their title as a medal-favorite. 

Jayson Tatum and Team USA take on Australia on Monday at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT.   

(Photo of Jayson Tatum/Ned Dishman/Getty Images)