Setback for U.S. 3x3 Basketball Teams in Paris
The United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams experienced a challenging start at the 2024 Paris Olympics, suffering defeats in their opening games on Tuesday. The women's team fell short against Germany, losing 17-13, while the men’s squad was overpowered by Serbia with a score of 22-14.
Women's Team Suffers Narrow Loss
The U.S. women’s 3x3 basketball team started strong, leading 5-0 against Germany, thanks to the efforts of standout players such as Dearica Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks and Rhyne Howard from the Atlanta Dream. The initial lead gave hopes of a victorious beginning, but Germany rallied and eventually secured the win. Hamby, a critical addition to the team after Cameron Brink’s unfortunate ACL injury, couldn't steer the team to victory this time.
Also contributing were Hailey Van Lith, currently playing college basketball, and Cierra Burdick, who brings experience from Valencia in Spain. Both were pivotal in winning the gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, suggesting high expectations for the Olympic campaign. Reflecting on the game, Burdick expressed the team's frustration, saying, "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly."
Reigning Champions Face Tough Competition
The U.S. women's 3x3 team came into the Olympics with a distinguished history, having won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a roster comprising Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young. Their legacy of success set a high bar that they were unable to meet in their opening match in Paris.
Men’s Team Overcome by World’s Top Team
Meanwhile, the U.S. men's 3x3 team faced Serbia, currently ranked as the world’s number one team in men’s 3x3 basketball. The U.S. side, featuring Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, started the match strong, leading for much of the first half. Unfortunately, Serbia proved too strong, maintaining their stature by finishing the game 22-14 in their favor.
Fredette, a former NBA player with six seasons under his belt, remains optimistic despite the loss, stating, "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow." The U.S. men's team earned their spot in Paris after finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, and they aim to build on that momentum throughout the tournament.
Eyeing Legacy and Future Matches
These losses were a sobering reminder of the intense competition in Olympic basketball. However, the U.S. teams have a legacy of excellence to uphold. The men's 3x3 team, despite their rocky start, has shown potential and determination to turn their fortunes around.
On another note, the U.S. women's 5x5 basketball team, a powerhouse in the sport, hasn't lost an Olympic game since 1992 and is gunning for their eighth consecutive gold medal. Their roster, featuring stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi—who is marking her sixth Olympic appearance—underscores their dominance and ambition.
Not to be outdone, the U.S. men's 5x5 basketball team is seeking their fifth consecutive gold medal, continuing their storied history of success on the global stage.
Resilient and Ready
Despite the initial setbacks, both 3x3 teams remain focused and ready for their next challenges. The spirit of competition and the drive to excel is a hallmark of U.S. basketball, and these teams are no exception. As the tournament progresses, they'll have ample opportunities to display their talent and resilience, aiming to add more accolades to U.S. basketball's illustrious record.