U.S. 3x3 Basketball Teams Stumble in Opening Games of Paris 2024 Olympics
Tuesday proved to be a challenging day for the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams as they both faced defeats in their inaugural matches of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The women's squad fell 17-13 to Germany, while the men's team suffered a 22-14 loss to Serbia, the team currently holding the world's No. 1 rank in men’s 3x3 basketball.
The U.S. women's 3x3 team initially appeared dominant, racing to a 5-0 lead against Germany. However, that lead was short-lived, as Germany mounted a comeback to claim the victory. Dearica Hamby, a standout for the Los Angeles Sparks, joined the team following Cameron Brink's ACL injury. Hamby, alongside Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream, Hailey Van Lith, and Cierra Burdick, was unable to maintain the momentum needed to stave off the German resurgence.
Burdick, who currently plays for Valencia in Spain, succinctly captured the disappointment felt by the team, stating, "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly." Despite the setback, there is a silver lining in their past achievements. Both Burdick and Van Lith were instrumental in the team that triumphed at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup. Additionally, the U.S. women's 3x3 team has a proud history to draw on, having won the gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a roster that included Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young.
The men's 3x3 team faced an equally tough challenge against Serbia. Despite leading for much of the first half, the U.S. squad, comprised of Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, couldn't sustain their advantage. Serbia eventually took control, leveraging their experience and tactical acumen to secure a decisive 22-14 win.
Fredette, who brought the experience of six NBA seasons to the team, noted the long-term perspective required for the tournament. "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow," he remarked. The U.S. men’s 3x3 team had earned their place in the Paris Olympics by finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where they also succumbed to Serbia with a narrow 21-19 loss in the final.
As the U.S. 3x3 teams regroup and focus on the challenges ahead, it's clear they will take inspiration from their compatriots in the 5x5 basketball format. The U.S. women's 5x5 team has been a powerhouse, remaining undefeated in Olympic competition since 1992 and aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal. This year's roster features elite talents such as A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and veteran Diana Taurasi, who is showcasing her skills in her unprecedented sixth Olympic Games. Meanwhile, the U.S. men's 5x5 team is vying for their fifth consecutive gold medal, underscoring the nation's deep basketball pedigree.
While the opening losses are setbacks, both U.S. 3x3 teams have a wealth of talent and experience to draw on as they navigate the rest of the tournament. With strategic adjustments and a resilient mindset, they aim to bounce back and demonstrate the competitive spirit synonymous with American basketball on the global stage.