On Tuesday, the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams faced challenging starts to their 2024 Paris Olympics campaigns, each suffering losses in their respective opening games. The women's team fell to Germany with a final score of 17-13, while the men's team was defeated 22-14 by Serbia.
Women's Team Stumbles Despite Strong Start
The U.S. women's team began their match against Germany on a high note, jumping to an early 5-0 lead. However, Germany fought back and ultimately secured the victory. The loss marks a stark contrast to the team's past performance, notably their gold medal win in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This year’s team, featuring standout players such as Dearica Hamby and Rhyne Howard, aims to reclaim their winning form.
Dearica Hamby, who stars for the Los Angeles Sparks, joined the team after Cameron Brink suffered a torn ACL. Alongside Hamby, the roster includes Rhyne Howard from the Atlanta Dream, college talent Hailey Van Lith, and Cierra Burdick, who plays professionally for Valencia in Spain. Burdick and Van Lith were also integral parts of the team that clinched gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup.
Cierra Burdick expressed her disappointment with the team's performance, stating, "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly." The team now looks to rebound and navigate through the tournament, learning from this rocky start.
Men’s Team Overwhelmed by Top-Ranked Serbia
The U.S. men's team also faced a tough opponent in Serbia, the world's No. 1 team in men’s 3x3 basketball. Despite taking the lead for much of the first half, the U.S. team couldn't maintain their edge, ultimately falling 22-14. Serbia, who earned a bronze medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, once again demonstrated their prowess, having also defeated the U.S. in the 2023 FIBA World Cup final with a close score of 21-19.
The U.S. men's roster features Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox. Fredette, well-known for his six seasons in the NBA, commented on the team's outlook following the loss: "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow." The team earned their spot in Paris by finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup and remains hopeful for a turnaround in the coming games.
Historical Context and Future Goals
While the 3x3 teams faced setbacks, the United States has historically dominated in basketball, especially in traditional 5x5 formats. The U.S. women's 5x5 basketball team has not lost an Olympic game since 1992 and is aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal. Key players on this year’s roster include A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her impressive sixth Olympic Games.
On the men's side, the U.S. 5x5 team is seeking their fifth consecutive gold medal, continuing their legacy of excellence in the sport. The 3x3 format, while newer and more unpredictable, offers both U.S. teams an opportunity to showcase their depth and adaptability on the international stage.
The losses in these initial games are a wake-up call, but the resilience and talent of the players ensure that they will go back to the drawing board, addressing the gaps and strategizing for the next encounters. The Paris Olympics is still young, and both teams have ample opportunity to reassess and reassert their dominance.