On Tuesday, the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams experienced a challenging start to their campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics, suffering losses in their opening games.
Women's Team Falters Against Germany
The U.S. women's team, despite a promising start, lost 17-13 to Germany. Initially, they raced to a 5-0 lead, showcasing a burst of defensive and offensive efficiency. However, Germany regrouped and ultimately secured the victory. Cierra Burdick, reflecting on the game, candidly remarked, "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly.”
The U.S. team featured formidable talent, including Dearica Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks, who joined the team as a replacement for Cameron Brink following her unfortunate ACL tear. Rhyne Howard from the Atlanta Dream, and Hailey Van Lith, a college basketball star, also played pivotal roles. Van Lith and Burdick were part of the team that clinched gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, offering hope for a potential turnaround in the days to come.
This loss marks a stark contrast from their triumph in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where they secured the gold medal with a roster that included Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young.
Men's Team Overrun by Serbian Powerhouse
In their opener, the U.S. men's team faced a formidable opponent in Serbia, the current world No. 1 team in men’s 3x3 basketball. Despite an encouraging start where they led for much of the first half, they ultimately fell 22-14 to Serbia.
Jimmer Fredette, who brought his NBA experience of six seasons to the team, expressed optimism despite the loss, stating, "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow." Joining Fredette on the court were Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox. This lineup managed to qualify for the Paris Olympics by finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, hinting at their high potential despite the initial setback.
Serbia's dominance was on full display, reminding fans why they finished with a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This rivalry intensified after Serbia edged out the U.S. in the 2023 FIBA World Cup final with a thrilling 21-19 victory.
Larger Olympic Context
These early losses in the 3x3 format contrast sharply with the historic performance of the U.S. teams in 5x5 basketball. The U.S. women's 5x5 team has not lost an Olympic game since 1992 and is aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal. The roster includes renowned players such as A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi. Taurasi, a legend in her own right, is competing in her sixth Olympic Games, underscoring the depth of experience and talent on the team.
Meanwhile, the U.S. men's 5x5 basketball team is on a quest for their fifth consecutive gold medal. Historically, their dominance in Olympic basketball has been a source of immense national pride, and the current squad is determined to maintain this legacy.
The road ahead in Paris is undeniably tough, but both the men's and women's 3x3 teams are poised for a comeback. Drawing strength from their rich history and the talent within their ranks, there is optimism that they will adapt and thrive as the tournament progresses.