On a challenging Tuesday for the United States, both the men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams experienced defeats in their opening games of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The women's team faced a 17-13 loss to Germany, while the men's team was defeated 22-14 by Serbia.
Women’s Team Faces a Tough Start
The U.S. women's 3x3 team had a promising start against Germany, jumping to an early 5-0 lead. However, Germany's resilience allowed them to claw back and ultimately secure the victory. The defeat marked a disappointing opening for the U.S. team, which came into the Olympics with high hopes following their gold medal triumph at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
It's notable that Dearica Hamby, a key player for the Los Angeles Sparks, joined the team under challenging circumstances, filling in for Cameron Brink after her unfortunate torn ACL. Alongside Hamby, other significant contributors include Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream and Hailey Van Lith, an accomplished college basketball player. Cierra Burdick, who plays for Valencia in Spain, also brings valuable experience to the squad. Both Burdick and Van Lith were integral to the team that clinched the gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup.
Reflecting on the unexpected loss, Cierra Burdick succinctly expressed the team's sentiment: "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly."
Men’s Team Outplayed by World’s Best
On the men's side, the U.S. faced Serbia, the current world No. 1 team in men’s 3x3 basketball. Despite a strong start that saw the U.S. leading for much of the first half, Serbia managed to overturn the deficit and secure a 22-14 victory. The defeat echoed Serbia's dominance in recent competitions; they earned a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and defeated the U.S. in the 2023 FIBA World Cup final with a score of 21-19.
The U.S. men's 3x3 team includes Jimmer Fredette, who previously played six seasons in the NBA, alongside Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox. The team earned their spot in the Paris Olympics by finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Despite their current setbacks, the team remains optimistic about their prospects in the tournament.
"It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow," said Jimmer Fredette, encapsulating the team's forward-looking mentality.
Legacy of Success in 5x5 Basketball
While the 3x3 teams grapple with their early challenges, the U.S. has a storied legacy in 5x5 basketball, particularly on the women's side. The U.S. women's 5x5 basketball team has not lost an Olympic game since 1992 and is ambitiously aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal. The current roster includes star players like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the ever-impressive Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games.
On the men's side, the U.S. team is similarly focused, seeking their fifth consecutive gold medal. The tradition of excellence and the weight of historical success add a layer of expectation for these teams as they aim to continue their dominance on the global stage.
As the tournament progresses, the U.S. 3x3 teams will have to regroup and focus on their upcoming matches. With their blend of seasoned professionals and emerging talents, they remain steadfast in their goal to make a memorable impact in Paris. The journey is far from over, and the next few games will be pivotal in determining their paths in this fiercely competitive arena.