On Tuesday, the United States 3x3 basketball teams experienced a rocky start at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Both the men's and women's teams faced significant setbacks in their opening games, marking a challenging beginning to their campaigns.
Women's Team Suffers Close Defeat
In a tightly contested match, the U.S. women's 3x3 basketball team fell to Germany with a score of 17-13. The American women initially took a promising 5-0 lead, showcasing their skills and coordination. However, Germany mounted a strong comeback, ultimately securing the victory. The loss was a tough pill to swallow for a team that had high hopes for the tournament.
The U.S. women's team features a blend of seasoned and emerging talent. Dearica Hamby, who recently joined following Cameron Brink's unfortunate ACL injury, stars for the Los Angeles Sparks, while Rhyne Howard represents the Atlanta Dream. Hailey Van Lith, a rising star in college basketball, and Cierra Burdick, who plays professionally for Valencia in Spain, complete the quartet.
Burdick, reflecting on the game's outcome, commented, "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly."
It's noteworthy that both Burdick and Van Lith played vital roles in the team that won gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup. The U.S. women's 3x3 team also clinched the gold medal in the inaugural 3x3 event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, with a roster consisting of Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young.
Men's Team Confronts Serbia's Dominance
The U.S. men's 3x3 team faced the world's number one team, Serbia, and was handed a defeat with a 22-14 scoreline. Despite leading for much of the first half, the American men couldn't withstand Serbia's relentless offense. Serbia, which finished with a bronze medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, proved their dominance once again.
This latest encounter comes after Serbia's victory over the U.S. in the 2023 FIBA World Cup final with a narrow 21-19 score. The U.S. team, featuring Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, had qualified for the Paris Olympics by securing a second-place finish in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Fredette, well-known for his six-season tenure in the NBA, remains optimistic despite the rough start.
"It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow," Fredette expressed.
Legacy and Expectations
While the U.S. 3x3 basketball teams grapple with their opening losses, the country's legacy in 5x5 basketball continues to shine. The U.S. women's 5x5 team has not lost an Olympic game since 1992 and is striving for their eighth consecutive gold medal. Their current roster includes powerhouse players like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games.
On the men's side, the U.S. 5x5 team is also pursuing glory, aiming for their fifth consecutive gold medal. The storied history and success of U.S. basketball continue to set high expectations for every team and athlete representing the country.
As the tournament progresses, both the U.S. men's and women's 3x3 teams will look to regroup and advance past their early setbacks. With a resilient spirit and the talent at their disposal, they remain hopeful for a turnaround in the games to come.