On Tuesday, the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams began their 2024 Paris Olympics campaigns on a challenging note with opening game defeats.
The women's team succumbed to Germany in a tightly contested match, ultimately falling 17-13. Despite an impressive start, leading 5-0 initially, the U.S. squad couldn't maintain their momentum, with Germany clawing back to secure the victory. The loss was a significant setback for a team that had high expectations after their gold-medal triumph at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
One of the standout players for the current women's 3x3 team, Dearica Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks, joined the roster following a torn ACL suffered by Cameron Brink. Rhyne Howard from the Atlanta Dream and Hailey Van Lith, who plays college basketball, also brought their talents to the team. Notably, Cierra Burdick, who plays for Valencia in Spain, and Van Lith were both part of the U.S. squad that won gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup.
Burdick reflected on the performance candidly, stating, "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly," highlighting the team's struggle to sustain their early lead. Moving forward, the team will need to regroup and leverage their talented roster to get back on track.
In the men's 3x3 competition, the U.S. faced an uphill battle against Serbia, a team currently holding the title of the world's No. 1 in men’s 3x3 basketball. The U.S. men led for much of the first half but were ultimately overpowered, finishing with a 22-14 defeat. Serbia's capability was well-known; they had finished with a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and defeated the U.S. in the 2023 FIBA World Cup final with a narrow 21-19 scoreline.
Jimmer Fredette, who previously played six seasons in the NBA, leads the U.S. men's 3x3 team alongside teammates Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox. Despite the defeat, Fredette remained optimistic, saying, "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow." The U.S. men's team had qualified for the Paris Olympics by finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, showcasing their potential and determination to achieve success.
Beyond the 3x3 competitions, the U.S. women's 5x5 basketball team continues to demonstrate their dominance with an unmatched record. Since 1992, the team has not lost an Olympic game, and they are now aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal. This year's roster is a powerhouse, featuring stars such as A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi. With Taurasi competing in her sixth Olympic Games, the team brings a wealth of experience and skill to the court.
The U.S. men's 5x5 basketball team is equally ambitious, as they chase their fifth consecutive gold medal. The synergy and depth in both the men’s and women’s teams underline a broader narrative of U.S. basketball's global prominence.
While the opening losses in the 3x3 contests are a setback, the talent and resilience demonstrated by both teams offer a glimmer of hope for their prospects in the tournament. The U.S. teams, known for their exceptional skill and competitive drive, will undoubtedly seek to bounce back and make their mark on the 2024 Paris Olympics.