U.S. 3x3 Basketball Teams Struggle in Paris Olympic Openers
The 2024 Paris Olympics began on a sour note for both the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams, as each squad faced tough losses in their opening games on Tuesday.
The U.S. women's team suffered a 17-13 defeat at the hands of Germany. Despite an early lead where they surged to a 5-0 advantage, the American team was unable to maintain their momentum, allowing Germany to secure the victory. Dearica Hamby, a key player for the Los Angeles Sparks, had stepped into the roster following Cameron Brink's devastating ACL injury. Team members also include Rhyne Howard, who plays for the Atlanta Dream, college basketball standout Hailey Van Lith, and Cierra Burdick, who plies her trade in Spain for Valencia. Burdick and Van Lith contributed to the team that claimed gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup.
"I didn't think it was going to be that ugly," remarked Cierra Burdick, reflecting on the team's performance.
The U.S. women's 3x3 team has a notable history of success, having won the gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a roster inclusive of Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young. However, their opening loss in Paris sets a challenging beginning to their campaign.
On the men's side, the U.S. team fell to Serbia 22-14. Serbia, the current world's No. 1 team in men’s 3x3 basketball, extended their dominance following a bronze medal finish at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and a victory over the U.S. in the 2023 FIBA World Cup final. The American team, featuring Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, showed early promise by leading much of the first half but couldn't sustain their edge.
Jimmer Fredette, who previously played six seasons in the NBA, expressed optimism despite the loss. "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow," he said.
The U.S. men's 3x3 team paved their way to the Paris Olympics by clinching a second-place finish in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, highlighting their competitive drive. However, the formidable Serbian team once again proved to be a significant hurdle.
In contrast to the 3x3 teams, the U.S. women's 5x5 basketball team boasts an extraordinary Olympic record, remaining undefeated since 1992 and aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal. The powerhouse roster features stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi, the latter making her remarkable sixth Olympic appearance.
The U.S. men's 5x5 basketball team also seeks to uphold their legacy by chasing a fifth consecutive gold. While the 3x3 teams face early adversity, the larger U.S. basketball program remains a symbol of excellence and immense determination.
As both the U.S. men's and women's 3x3 teams regroup and strategize for the remaining fixtures in the Paris Olympics, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if they can bounce back and uphold the high standards expected from American basketball on the global stage.