On Tuesday, the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams experienced challenging starts to their campaigns at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Women's Team Falls to Germany
The U.S. women's team, despite a promising start, succumbed to a 17-13 defeat against Germany. The team initially dominated the game, taking a commanding 5-0 lead. However, Germany regrouped and overturned the deficit to secure the win.
Key players for the U.S. include Dearica Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks, who joined the roster following Cameron Brink's torn ACL. Rhyne Howard from the Atlanta Dream and Hailey Van Lith, a college basketball prodigy, are also part of the lineup, along with Cierra Burdick, who plays for Valencia in Spain. Notably, Burdick and Van Lith were instrumental in the team’s gold medal victory at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup.
Cierra Burdick expressed her disappointment, stating, "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly." The women’s 3x3 team notably clinched the gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a roster comprising Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young, setting high expectations for their performance in Paris.
Men's Team Defeated by Serbia
The U.S. men's 3x3 team faced a tough opponent in Serbia, losing 22-14. The team, which includes former NBA player Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, qualified for the Paris Olympics by finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Fredette, who played six seasons in the NBA, was optimistic despite the loss, saying, "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow."
Serbia, the world's top-ranked men's 3x3 team, were always going to be formidable opposition. They secured a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and recently defeated the U.S. in the 2023 FIBA World Cup final with a narrow 21-19 victory. In the early stages of their match, the U.S. team led for much of the first half, showing glimpses of their potential before Serbia pulled away.
5x5 Basketball Aspirations
Beyond the 3x3 format, U.S. basketball maintains its dominance in the 5x5 discipline. The U.S. women’s 5x5 team is on an extraordinary run, having not lost an Olympic game since 1992 and aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal. This year’s standout roster features stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games.
The U.S. men's 5x5 team is equally determined, seeking their fifth consecutive gold medal at these Games. While the 3x3 setbacks may cast a shadow, the 5x5 teams look to continue their legacy of excellence on the global stage.
As the tournament progresses, both U.S. 3x3 teams will be eager to rebound from these initial losses. Their journey continues with hopes of showcasing the resilience and skill that have long defined American basketball.