U.S. 3x3 Basketball Teams Falter in Olympic Openers
The United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams suffered disappointing losses in their opening games of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The women's team was narrowly defeated by Germany with a score of 17-13, while the men's team faced a tougher challenge, succumbing to Serbia 22-14.
The day began with promise for the U.S. women's team, who initially surged to a 5-0 lead against Germany. Despite this strong start, Germany mounted a comeback and ultimately secured the victory. The U.S. squad featured prominent players like Dearica Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks and Rhyne Howard from the Atlanta Dream. Hamby had joined the team following Cameron Brink’s unfortunate ACL injury. Hailey Van Lith, a college standout, and Cierra Burdick, who plays for Valencia in Spain, also made significant contributions. Notably, Burdick and Van Lith were integral parts of the team that clinched the gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup. Reflecting on the game, Burdick confessed, "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly."
The U.S. women's 3x3 team has a rich Olympic history, having claimed the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. That victorious roster included luminary players like Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young. However, this time around, the squad couldn’t replicate their previous success in the curtain-raiser against Germany.
On the men's side, the United States went up against Serbia, the world's number one team in men’s 3x3 basketball. The Serbian team demonstrated their prowess and experience, having finished with a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and recently defeating the U.S. in the 2023 FIBA World Cup final with a narrow 21-19 margin. The U.S. men’s team, comprising Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, qualified for Paris by finishing second in the same tournament.
Despite leading for much of the first half, the U.S. men's team couldn't hold on and eventually fell to Serbia's well-coordinated assault. Jimmer Fredette, a veteran with six seasons of NBA experience, expressed optimism despite the loss, stating, "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow."
Legacy and Aspirations in 5x5 Basketball
While the 3x3 teams faced early setbacks, the legacy and aspirations for the U.S. 5x5 basketball teams remain undiminished. The U.S. women's 5x5 basketball team has an unparalleled record, having not lost an Olympic game since 1992. They are on a quest for their eighth consecutive gold medal in Paris. Their impressive roster, featuring stars A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games, showcases the depth and talent of American women’s basketball.
On the men’s side, the U.S. 5x5 basketball team is aiming to secure their fifth consecutive gold medal. Their storied history and consistent performance set high expectations, and they will undoubtedly look to build on their previous successes.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament progresses, both the men’s and women’s 3x3 teams will seek to rebound from their initial losses and make a strong comeback. With seasoned players and promising talents on both rosters, the U.S. teams have the potential to turn the tide in their favor. Their resilience and determination will be put to the test as they face upcoming challenges, aiming to add more accolades to their country's rich basketball history.
The games in Paris are far from over, and the spirit of competition remains high. As Jimmer Fredette aptly put it, the journey has just begun, and the American teams are poised to make their mark on the Olympic stage.