On what proved to be a challenging day in Paris, both the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams started their 2024 Olympics campaigns on a disappointing note. Despite spirited performances and early leads, the teams fell short in their opening games.
A Tough Opener for the Women
Facing Germany, the U.S. women stumbled to a 17-13 defeat. The game started promisingly for the Americans, as they surged to a 5-0 lead. However, the Germans quickly regrouped and overpowered the U.S. team, finishing the game with a strong victory.
Key players on the U.S. side include Los Angeles Sparks' Dearica Hamby, Atlanta Dream's Rhyne Howard, and college basketball standout Hailey Van Lith. Hamby joined the squad after Cameron Brink tore her ACL, bringing much-needed experience and talent to the court. Cierra Burdick, who plays for Valencia in Spain, also contributed significantly. Burdick and Van Lith were part of the triumphant team that secured gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup. Reflecting on the game, Burdick remarked, "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly."
It’s noteworthy that the U.S. women's 3x3 team has a remarkable track record, having clinched the gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. That victorious roster included Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young. With such a storied past, the recent result is a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports.
Men's Team Outpaced by Serbia
The U.S. men's team also faced a formidable opponent in Serbia, the world's top-ranked team in men’s 3x3 basketball. The Serbians demonstrated their dominance with a decisive 22-14 win. The U.S. side, featuring Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, showed flashes of brilliance and led for much of the first half. However, Serbia's prowess ultimately shone through.
Fredette, a former NBA player with six seasons under his belt, remains optimistic despite the loss. "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow," he stated. This resilience will be essential as the team looks to bounce back in subsequent matches.
Serbia's strength in 3x3 basketball isn’t new; they finished with a bronze medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and recently defeated the U.S. in a closely contested 2023 FIBA World Cup final, with a score of 21-19. The U.S. men earned their spot in the Paris Olympics by finishing second in that tournament.
Both U.S. teams have shown they can compete at the highest levels, but these opening losses underscore the fierce competition they face. The road ahead is challenging, but their early performances leave room for hope and improvement.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
As the games continue, the spotlight isn’t just on the 3x3 teams. The U.S. women's 5x5 basketball team, with a legendary streak of not losing an Olympic game since 1992, aims for its eighth consecutive gold medal. This star-studded roster includes A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi, who is making history by competing in her sixth Olympic Games.
Meanwhile, the U.S. men's 5x5 team is pursuing its fifth consecutive gold medal, maintaining a legacy of excellence. The stakes and expectations are always high for U.S. basketball on the global stage, and both the 3x3 and 5x5 teams harbor ambitions that reflect the weight of their storied traditions.
As the U.S. 3x3 teams regroup after their initial setbacks, the determination to improve and excel is palpable. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching as they aim to turn the tide and pursue the success that has historically defined U.S. basketball. The journey in Paris has just begun, and while the start has been rocky, the quest for Olympic glory continues with undimmed passion.