The United States' men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams have faced a rocky start in their respective campaigns at the 2024 Paris Olympics, failing to notch a win in their first five combined games. The women's team, in particular, has struggled, enduring losses to Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia.
The Women's Team Struggles
The difficulties started with a 17-13 defeat at the hands of Germany on Tuesday, followed by a close 20-17 loss to Azerbaijan on Wednesday. Most recently, the team fell to Australia 17-15. This string of setbacks has placed the women's squad at the bottom of the standings, casting a shadow over their bid to replicate past successes.
Cierra Burdick, a key player on the team, has been candid about their struggles. “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly,” Burdick remarked after the game against Germany. Despite the challenges, the roster comprising Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, Hailey Van Lith, and Burdick remains optimistic. Hamby, who plays for the Los Angeles Sparks, and Howard, a member of the Atlanta Dream, bring WNBA experience to the team. Van Lith is still in college, while Burdick now plays in Spain for Valencia.
It's worth noting that Burdick and Van Lith were part of the team that clinched gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, underlining their capability and potential for a turnaround.
The Men's Team Falls Short in Debut
The men's 3x3 basketball team, making its inaugural appearance at the Olympic Games, has also experienced a tough start. The team lost 19-17 to Poland and 22-14 to Serbia, despite a commendable effort. Jimmer Fredette, who boasts six NBA seasons under his belt, leads a group that includes Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox. The men's team finished second to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, showcasing their competitive edge yet falling short in the Olympics so far.
“It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow,” said Fredette after Tuesday's game, reflecting the resilience and fighting spirit within the team.
Challenging Format and High Stakes
3x3 basketball, a fast-paced variant of the traditional game, uses only half the court and features a quick 10-minute game format. Scoring is based on a straightforward system where baskets count for one or two points. Both the men's and women's teams face the tall task of navigating seven games in the pool round, each match pivotal for advancing in the competition.
A Glimpse of Hope
Fans will remember that the USA women's 3x3 team clinched the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, a beacon of hope for the current lineup's aspirations. Moreover, the USA women's 5x5 team has remained undefeated in Olympic play since 1992 and is eyeing its eighth consecutive gold medal. The star-studded roster includes A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games.
As the 3x3 teams strive to overcome their initial hurdles, the rest of the sports world remains enthralled by the high level of competition and the potential for dramatic comebacks. With seasoned players and promising talent on both squads, there's a collective sense of anticipation and hope that the winds will soon shift in favor of the United States.