U.S. Men's and Women's 3x3 Basketball Teams Stumble in 2024 Paris Olympics Openers
As the 2024 Paris Olympics commenced, the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams faced early setbacks in their opening games. Both teams were looking to make a strong start but ended up faltering against formidable opponents.
Women's Team Faces Tough German Challenge
The U.S. women's 3x3 team had a promising start against Germany, jumping to an early 5-0 lead. However, the Germans mounted a comeback and secured a 17-13 victory. Key players like Dearica Hamby, who joined the squad following Cameron Brink's torn ACL, and Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream, were unable to hold off the relentless German team. Cierra Burdick and Hailey Van Lith, who were instrumental in the U.S. gold medal victory at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, couldn't replicate the same success in Paris.
"I didn't think it was going to be that ugly," said Burdick, reflecting on the game that saw the initial lead slip away.
Despite the loss, the women's team is no stranger to bouncing back. They have a strong history, having captured the gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The 2020 Tokyo roster featured standout players such as Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young—a testament to the strength and depth of U.S. women's 3x3 basketball.
Serbia Overpowers U.S. Men's Team
The U.S. men’s 3x3 team also found themselves in a tough battle, falling 22-14 to Serbia. Like the women's team, the men were initially competitive and led for much of the first half. The lineup of Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox couldn't maintain their momentum against the world's No. 1 ranked Serbian team.
"It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow," said Fredette, who brought his NBA experience into play for Team USA.
The U.S. men’s team earned their ticket to Paris by finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where they lost a close final to Serbia with a score of 21-19. Serbia, having secured a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, proved to be an insurmountable hurdle once again.
Long Road Ahead
Both U.S. teams have challenging paths ahead but are no strangers to adversity. The women’s team boasts a legacy of success, including their recent FIBA World Cup win, with players like Hamby, Howard, and Burdick all contributing. Hailey Van Lith, still a collegiate player, has already shown she can compete at this level.
The men’s team, with Fredette’s NBA background and the seasoned skills of Maddox, Barry, and Travis, remain optimistic. They will look to build on their early performance, making necessary adjustments to compete with the best teams in the world.
High Hopes for U.S. 5x5 Basketball
While the 3x3 teams work through their challenges, the U.S. 5x5 basketball teams continue to carry the nation’s high hopes. The women’s 5x5 team, which has been undefeated in Olympic play since 1992, aims for their eighth consecutive gold medal. With a roster that includes elite talents like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi—competing in her sixth Olympic Games—they are well-equipped to achieve that goal.
The U.S. men’s 5x5 basketball team is also pursuing greatness, seeking their fifth consecutive gold medal. Historical performance suggests that both U.S. 5x5 teams are formidable contenders on the global stage.
As the early blows of the tournament set the stage, the spirit of competition and resilience will define the journey ahead for the U.S. 3x3 basketball teams. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how they adapt, strategize, and strive for glory in Paris.