On Tuesday, the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams experienced setbacks in their opening games at the 2024 Paris Olympics, a disappointing start to what they had hoped would be a strong tournament showing.
Women's Team Stumbles Against Germany
The U.S. women's team suffered a 17-13 defeat at the hands of Germany. The game began promisingly for the U.S. as they secured an early 5-0 lead. However, Germany managed to claw back, ultimately securing the victory against their American counterparts.
Dearica Hamby, who stepped in for the injured Cameron Brink after she tore her ACL, represented a significant player for the U.S. team. Hamby, a key figure for the Los Angeles Sparks, was supported by notable names such as Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream and Hailey Van Lith, a standout in college basketball. Cierra Burdick, who plays professionally for Valencia in Spain, also contributed to the roster. Burdick and Van Lith had previously helped the U.S. team clinch gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup. Reflecting on the team’s performance, Burdick candidly expressed, "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly."
The history of success for the U.S. women's 3x3 team includes a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a roster of Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young. This year's team was looking to build upon that legacy but will need to regroup quickly to stay in contention.
Men's Team Overpowered by Serbia
On the men's side, the U.S. team faced a formidable Serbian squad and was defeated 22-14. The U.S. team, consisting of Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, managed to lead for much of the first half. Despite their strong start, Serbia, currently ranked the No. 1 team in men’s 3x3 basketball, demonstrated their prowess by pulling away in the latter stages of the game.
Serbia's victory continues their dominance in the sport, building on their bronze medal performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and a thrilling 21-19 win over the U.S. in the 2023 FIBA World Cup final.
Fredette, a former NBA player with six seasons under his belt, noted the length and competitive nature of the tournament with optimism, stating, "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow." The U.S. men's 3x3 team earned their spot in Paris by finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, and they remain determined to make an impact as the competition progresses.
Historic Success in 5x5 Basketball
While the 3x3 teams faced initial setbacks, the U.S. basketball program continues to have strong aspirations in the traditional 5x5 format. The women's 5x5 basketball team has not lost an Olympic game since 1992 and is aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal. The powerhouse roster includes stars A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and six-time Olympian Diana Taurasi.
Similarly, the U.S. men's 5x5 basketball team is on a quest for their fifth consecutive gold medal. Despite the focus on the new 3x3 format, the traditional 5x5 teams offer a legacy of success that the 3x3 squads aspire to replicate.
The U.S. 3x3 teams will need to tap into the resilience and tenacity that have defined American basketball on the world stage. As the tournament advances, both teams have the opportunity to learn from these initial challenges and demonstrate their skill and determination in pursuit of Olympic glory.