The United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams had a rough start to their 2024 Paris Olympics campaigns on Tuesday, both facing defeats in their opening matches.
Women’s Team Falter After Strong Start
The U.S. women's 3x3 basketball team began with a promising lead, surging ahead 5-0 against Germany. However, the early advantage didn’t translate into victory. Germany mounted a comeback and ultimately won the game with a score of 17-13, leaving the U.S. team to reassess and regroup.
Dearica Hamby, a standout player for the Los Angeles Sparks, recently joined the U.S. team, replacing Cameron Brink, who suffered a torn ACL. In addition to Hamby, the team features Rhyne Howard from the Atlanta Dream, college athlete Hailey Van Lith, and Cierra Burdick, who plays for Valencia in Spain. Both Burdick and Van Lith were pivotal in winning the gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup.
The U.S. women's 3x3 team has a history of strong performances, including a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a roster that featured Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young. Despite the disappointing start, an optimistic Cierra Burdick commented, "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly," hinting at the team's determination to improve in upcoming matches.
Men’s Team Trounced by Top-Ranked Serbia
The men's 3x3 team faced a formidable opponent in their opening game against Serbia, who currently hold the title of the world’s No. 1 team in men’s 3x3 basketball. The U.S. team showed promise, leading for much of the first half, but Serbia pulled ahead and won decisively with a score of 22-14.
The U.S. men's 3x3 team includes Jimmer Fredette, a former NBA player with six seasons under his belt, alongside Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox. This team secured their spot in the Paris Olympics by finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where they also faced Serbia in the final, narrowly losing 21-19.
Fredette reflected on the match: "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow." His words resonate with a forward-looking optimism, indicating the team's resolve to bounce back from this initial setback.
Legacy and Aspirations in 5x5 Basketball
Beyond the 3x3 format, the U.S. women’s 5x5 basketball team boasts an impressive record, not having lost an Olympic game since 1992. The team is aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal in Paris, showcasing a lineup featuring talents like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the veteran Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games.
On the men's side, the U.S. 5x5 basketball team is also chasing glory, seeking their fifth consecutive gold medal. With storied histories and high expectations, both 5x5 teams are under pressure to continue their dominant streaks.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the U.S. teams to see how they adapt and respond to these early challenges. With experienced players and a track record of success, there remains a strong belief that the Americans will rise to the occasion and exemplify the resilience and skill that have defined their legacy in Olympic basketball.