On a challenging day for U.S. basketball, both the men's and women's 3x3 teams encountered hurdles in their inaugural matches at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite earnest efforts, the teams fell short against formidable opponents, signaling a need for early adjustments in the tournament.
Women's Team Faces Early Setback
The U.S. women's 3x3 basketball team opened their campaign with a disheartening 17-13 loss to Germany. The American squad, showcasing stars like Dearica Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks and Rhyne Howard from the Atlanta Dream, started strong with a 5-0 lead. However, Germany rallied and secured the victory, leaving the U.S. to reassess their strategy moving forward.
Hamby's addition to the team came as a replacement for Cameron Brink, who suffered a torn ACL. Alongside Hamby and Howard, key contributors include Hailey Van Lith, currently playing college basketball, and Cierra Burdick of Valencia in Spain. Van Lith and Burdick were instrumental in the team’s gold medal at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, adding high expectations for their performance in Paris. Reflecting on the match, Burdick remarked, "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly."
The U.S. women's 3x3 team had previously clinched the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, with a roster composed of Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young. The current lineup aims to replicate or even surpass that success in Paris despite the early setback.
Men's Team Falls to World No. 1 Serbia
The men's 3x3 team also faced a tough opponent in their opening game, succumbing 22-14 to Serbia, the world's top-ranked team in this category. The U.S. team, featuring Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, exhibited early promise by leading for much of the first half. However, Serbia's intensity and skill ultimately prevailed, reminding everyone why they are considered the best in the world.
Fredette, a seasoned veteran with six NBA seasons under his belt, commented on the loss, "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow." The American men's team had qualified for the Paris Olympics by finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, narrowly losing to Serbia with a 21-19 scoreline in the final. Lessons from these encounters will be crucial for their subsequent matches.
Legacy of U.S. 5x5 Teams
While the 3x3 teams grapple with early challenges, the U.S. women's 5x5 basketball team carries an impressive streak into the Paris Olympics, having not lost an Olympic game since 1992. This legendary team is chasing their eighth consecutive gold medal, with a roster featuring stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the venerable Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games. The continuity and success of the women's 5x5 team set a formidable benchmark for U.S. basketball.
On the men's side, the 5x5 basketball team is also in pursuit of greatness, aiming for their fifth consecutive gold medal. The achievements of these teams shape not just national pride but also global expectations for American basketball.
As the Paris Olympics progress, the ability of both U.S. 3x3 teams to bounce back from their initial losses will be crucial. With a blend of experienced veterans and talented newcomers, they have the potential to turn the tide in the coming matches. For now, the focus remains on learning from these early struggles and leveraging their skill and determination to reclaim their rhythm on the court.