On Tuesday, the United States' 3x3 basketball teams faced a rough start in their opening games of the 2024 Paris Olympics, with both the men's and women's squads suffering defeats against formidable opponents.
Women's Team Faces Narrow Defeat to Germany
The U.S. women’s 3x3 team began their campaign with high hopes, initially leading against Germany with a 5-0 run. Yet, despite this promising start, they couldn't maintain their momentum. The Germans rallied and ultimately secured a 17-13 victory against the American team. "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly," remarked Cierra Burdick, reflecting the team's unexpected turn of events.
Cierra Burdick, who plays for Valencia in Spain, and Hailey Van Lith, a college basketball standout, were among the key contributors to the team that had previously won gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup. The U.S. women's 3x3 team, known for their stellar performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where they clinched the gold medal, found themselves struggling in their debut match in Paris.
Dearica Hamby, starring for the Los Angeles Sparks, joined the team after Cameron Brink's unfortunate torn ACL. Alongside Hamby was Rhyne Howard from the Atlanta Dream, forming a formidable line-up that had high expectations for their Olympic journey. Despite their best efforts, the team could not replicate their previous success in this opening match.
Serbia Overpowers U.S. Men's Team
The U.S. men’s 3x3 team, featuring Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, also faced a tough challenge as they took on the world's No. 1 team, Serbia. Notably, Fredette, a seasoned player with six NBA seasons under his belt, led his team in a closely contested game.
Initially, the U.S. men managed to lead for much of the first half, showcasing a strong offense and defensive strategy. However, Serbia, fresh off their bronze medal win at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and still riding high from their victory over the U.S. in the 2023 FIBA World Cup final, proved too formidable. The Serbian team pulled ahead to win 22-14.
"It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow," Fredette stated, emphasizing the team’s determination to bounce back. Despite the loss, their performance showed promise and resilience, qualities that the team will need to harness as they continue through the tournament.
Historical Context and Future Aspirations
For the U.S. women's 3x3 team, this loss was particularly poignant given their dominance in the previous Olympics. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics saw a different roster with Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young capturing gold. The current lineup has big shoes to fill and high standards to maintain.
The men’s team qualified for the Paris Olympics by finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where they fell short in the final against Serbia. This recent encounter was a crucial test of their progress and readiness for the Olympic stage.
Beyond the 3x3 format, U.S. basketball teams have historically set high benchmarks. The U.S. women's 5x5 basketball team, featuring stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi, aims for their eighth consecutive gold medal, having remained unbeaten in Olympic competition since 1992. Taurasi, in her sixth Olympic appearance, continues to inspire and lead by example.
Meanwhile, the U.S. men's 5x5 team seeks their fifth consecutive gold medal, reflecting a legacy of excellence in international basketball. This dual pursuit of glory in both 3x3 and 5x5 formats underscores the depth and talent present in U.S. basketball.
As the tournament progresses, both U.S. 3x3 teams will need to regroup and strategize to overcome this initial setback. The road to Olympic success is fraught with challenges, but with their eyes set on redemption and the support of their nation, the journey is far from over.