On Tuesday, both the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams faced challenging starts to their 2024 Paris Olympics campaigns, as they each suffered defeats in their opening games.
Women's Team Stumbles Against Germany
The U.S. women's team was handed a tough 17-13 loss by Germany, despite an initial 5-0 lead. The squad featured notable players such as Dearica Hamby from the Los Angeles Sparks and Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream. Hamby joined the team following Cameron Brink's unfortunate ACL injury, demonstrating her commitment and resilience.
Hailey Van Lith, who plays college basketball, and Cierra Burdick, a player for Valencia in Spain, were also integral members of the team. Both Van Lith and Burdick contributed to the gold-winning team at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, showcasing their international prowess.
Reflecting on the game, Cierra Burdick noted, "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly." Despite the setback, the U.S. women's 3x3 team has a storied history, having secured the gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a different roster that included Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young.
Men's Team Overpowered by Serbia
On the men's side, the U.S. team suffered a 22-14 defeat to Serbia, the world's No. 1 team in men's 3x3 basketball. The Serbian team, which had finished with a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, previously defeated the U.S. in the 2023 FIBA World Cup final with a close score of 21-19. Despite leading for much of the first half of the game, the U.S. team couldn't hold off Serbia's strong performance.
This iteration of the U.S. men's 3x3 team includes Jimmer Fredette, who played six seasons in the NBA, along with Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox. Jimmer Fredette expressed optimism after the game, stating, "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow."
The team earned their spot in the Paris Olympics by finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, demonstrating their capability and potential in the international arena.
Historical Context and Expectations
The U.S. women's 5x5 basketball team, storied for its dominance, has not lost an Olympic game since 1992. This year's roster includes stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the veteran Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games. They are aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal, continuing their unparalleled streak at the Olympics.
Similarly, the U.S. men's 5x5 basketball team, known for their impressive legacy, is gunning for their fifth consecutive gold medal. Both 5x5 teams carry the weight of high expectations and historical precedent, further motivating the players to strive for excellence on the court.
As the tournament progresses, the U.S. 3x3 teams will look to bounce back from their initial losses and demonstrate the skill and tenacity that earned them their Olympic berths. With seasoned players and promising newcomers, both the men's and women's squads have the potential to turn the tide and make significant contributions to the U.S. basketball legacy in Paris.