On Tuesday, the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams faced tough losses in their opening games of the 2024 Paris Olympics, setting a challenging tone for their Olympic campaigns.
Women's Team Struggles Against Germany
The U.S. women's 3x3 team faced a valiant German side and despite an early lead, fell short with a final score of 17-13. The American squad surged ahead to a 5-0 start, showcasing their defensive prowess and offensive skill. However, Germany managed to claw back into the game, eventually securing a hard-fought victory.
The loss came as a disappointment given the team's history of success. Dearica Hamby, a key player for the Los Angeles Sparks, made her Olympic debut following Cameron Brink's unfortunate ACL injury. Alongside Hamby, Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream and Hailey Van Lith, a collegiate star, added significant firepower to the roster. Cierra Burdick, who plays professionally for Valencia in Spain, also played a crucial role. Together, Van Lith and Burdick were pivotal members of the U.S. team that clinched gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup.
Reflecting on the challenging game, Burdick expressed her surprise, stating, "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly."
The women's 3x3 team has a legacy to uphold, having won the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a different roster that included stars like Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young.
Men’s Team Overpowered by Serbia
On the men's side, the U.S. faced Serbia, the current world No. 1 team in men’s 3x3 basketball. Despite leading for much of the first half, the U.S. succumbed to a 22-14 defeat. Serbia, a consistent powerhouse, demonstrated why they are ranked at the top, replicating their strong performance that earned them a bronze medal in the Tokyo Olympics and a victory over the U.S. in the 2023 FIBA World Cup final with a score of 21-19.
The U.S. men's 3x3 squad, including former NBA player Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, qualified for Paris by finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Fredette, reflecting on the opening loss, remained optimistic, stating, "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow."
Traditional 5x5 Teams Aim for Glory
While the 3x3 teams regroup and strategize for their upcoming matches, the traditional 5x5 teams remain forces to be reckoned with. The U.S. women's 5x5 basketball team boasts an extraordinary record, having not lost an Olympic game since 1992. This juggernaut of a team is currently aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal.
The roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics includes standout athletes such as A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi. Taurasi, a veteran presence and legendary figure in women’s basketball, is competing in her sixth Olympic Games, a testament to her longevity and skill.
On the men's 5x5 side, the U.S. team is in pursuit of their fifth consecutive gold medal, striving to maintain their dominance on the world stage.
As the 3x3 teams look to bounce back from their initial setbacks, the resilience and depth of talent within both the men’s and women’s squads will undoubtedly be key factors in their quest for Olympic success. The spirit of competition and determination remains high, and the journey in Paris has only just begun.