The United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams are off to a rocky start at the 2024 Paris Olympics, failing to secure a win in their first five combined games. This unexpected turn of events has raised eyebrows and concerns among fans and analysts alike.
Women's Team Struggles
The women's 3x3 team, which includes standout players like Dearica Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks and Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream, has faced a series of defeats. The team has lost to Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia, placing them at the bottom of the standings.
Their most recent loss came at the hands of Australia with a close score of 17-15. Earlier, they were defeated by Azerbaijan 20-17 on Wednesday and Germany 17-13 on Tuesday. This string of losses is surprising, especially given the team’s success in the past. Cierra Burdick, a key player who now plays in Spain for Valencia, expressed her disappointment after one of their games: “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly.”
Burdick and Hailey Van Lith, who is still in college, were part of the team that clinched gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, showcasing their potential. However, the current Olympic performance paints a starkly different picture, and the team will need to regroup quickly to salvage their campaign.
Men's Team Falters
The men's 3x3 team, making their Olympic debut, has also struggled. Comprising players like six-season NBA veteran Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, the team has lost both of their initial matches. They were narrowly defeated by Poland with a score of 19-17 and suffered a more decisive loss to Serbia, 22-14.
Despite finishing second to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and holding a training camp in February, the team has yet to find its footing in Paris. Jimmer Fredette shared a hopeful sentiment after their opening game: “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow.”
The Format and Challenges
3x3 basketball, played on half a court with a 10-minute game format, presents unique challenges. Scoring involves one- or two-point baskets, and players earn their spots by participating in sanctioned events throughout the year. This fast-paced version of the game requires a different strategy and stamina than traditional 5x5 basketball.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
The USA women's 3x3 team has a strong legacy, having won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Their current performance is a stark contrast to the dominance shown by the USA women's 5x5 team, which remains undefeated since 1992 and is currently aiming for its eighth consecutive gold medal. The 5x5 roster includes legendary figures like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games.
The men's and women's 3x3 teams each have seven games scheduled for the pool round. With several matches still to play, both teams have opportunities to turn their fortunes around. The athletes, many of whom have impressive individual resumes, will need to demonstrate resilience and adaptability to advance further in the tournament.
As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on these teams to see if they can overcome their initial setbacks and live up to the high expectations set by their predecessors. The journey ahead may be challenging, but the spirit of competition and the drive to succeed remain unwavering.