The United States' 3x3 basketball teams faced a challenging start at the 2024 Paris Olympics, both suffering losses in their opening games on Tuesday. The women’s team faced a narrow defeat, losing 17-13 to Germany, while the men’s team was decisively beaten 22-14 by Serbia.
Women's 3x3 Basketball: Strong Start, Tough Finish
The U.S. women's team initially appeared dominant, jumping to an early 5-0 lead against Germany. However, Germany capitalized on opportunities and overturned the score, securing a hard-fought victory. The American squad, laden with talent, includes notable players like Dearica Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks, and Rhyne Howard from the Atlanta Dream. Hailey Van Lith, who shines in the college basketball circuit, and Cierra Burdick, who plays professionally for Valencia in Spain, also add to the team’s strength.
Hamby's addition to the team came after Cameron Brink’s unfortunate torn ACL, a significant loss as they prepared for the Olympics. Despite the setback, the U.S. women’s team carried high expectations. Burdick and Van Lith had led the team to a gold medal at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, echoing the triumph of the women’s 3x3 team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where they had emerged victorious with stars like Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young.
Cierra Burdick reflected on the opening game, candidly stating, "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly." The player's comment underscores the gap between expectation and the stark reality faced on the court. Yet, the tournament is far from over, and the U.S. women will be keen to bounce back from this early setback.
Men's 3x3 Basketball: Early Lead, Shattered Hopes
In the men’s 3x3 basketball opener, the U.S. team saw a promising start as they led Serbia for much of the first half. But Serbia, the world's top-ranked team, turned the game around, cruising to a 22-14 victory. Serbia's supremacy in the sport was reaffirmed by their performances in past competitions, including a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and a thrilling win over the U.S. in the 2023 FIBA World Cup final, with a close score of 21-19.
The U.S. men's team, composed of Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, had secured their place in the Paris Olympics by finishing second at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Fredette, who has brought his experience from six seasons in the NBA, acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained optimistic. “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow,” he said, emphasizing the team’s resilience and resolve to improve their performance in the upcoming games.
Legacy and Future Aspirations
Although the spotlight is currently on the 3x3 teams, the U.S. women’s 5x5 basketball team also garners significant attention. With an unbeaten Olympic record since 1992, the women’s 5x5 team is aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal, a remarkable streak of dominance. This year's roster is stacked with exceptional talent, including A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi, who is participating in her sixth Olympic Games.
On the men’s side, the U.S. 5x5 basketball team is seeking to secure their fifth consecutive gold medal, continuing a legacy of excellence that has been meticulously built over the decades.
The journey at the Paris Olympics has just begun, and while the initial results for the U.S. 3x3 basketball teams are disappointing, the essence of sport lies in the continual fight and the unyielding spirit to rise. The world will be watching as both teams regroup and strategize for their upcoming matchups, aiming to convert the learnings from these early encounters into future victories.