The 2024 Paris Olympics have proven challenging for the United States in the 3x3 basketball arena. Neither the men's nor the women's teams have managed to secure a victory in their combined first five games, leaving both squads grappling to find their footing.
Women's Team Struggles
The U.S. women's 3x3 team has faced a tough path, encountering losses against Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia. The team's struggle was highlighted in Thursday’s nail-biting 17-15 loss to Australia, following a 20-17 defeat by Azerbaijan on Wednesday and a 17-13 loss to Germany on Tuesday. As a result, the women's team currently finds itself at the bottom of the standings, a stark contrast to their gold-winning performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Cierra Burdick, a key player on the team, was candid after their latest defeat against Germany, stating, “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly.” Despite the current setbacks, the women's roster boasts a blend of experienced athletes and rising stars, including Dearica Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks, Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream, Hailey Van Lith, who is still in college, and Burdick herself, now playing in Spain for Valencia. Notably, Burdick and Van Lith were instrumental in the team that clinched gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup.
Men's Team Debut
The men's 3x3 team, in their inaugural Olympic appearance, has similarly faced difficulties, bowing out 19-17 to Poland and suffering a 22-14 loss to Serbia. Jimmer Fredette, a key figure on the team with six seasons of NBA experience under his belt, expressed optimism despite the tough start, saying, “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow.”
The men's squad, which finished second to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, also includes talents such as Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox. The team had undergone a rigorous training camp in February to prepare for these Games, underscoring the level of commitment and anticipation surrounding their Olympic debut.
The 3x3 Basketball Format
3x3 basketball, a relatively new addition to the Olympic program, uses half the court with a 10-minute game format. Scoring is distinct, with baskets counting for one or two points, making it a fast-paced and strategic variation of traditional basketball. Players earned their spots on these elite teams through their participation in sanctioned 3x3 events over the year, highlighting the competitive nature of gaining a place on the roster.
Broader U.S. Basketball Context
While the 3x3 teams grapple with their current challenges, it is worth noting the continued dominance of the USA women's 5x5 basketball team, which has maintained an undefeated Olympic record since 1992 and is aiming for its eighth consecutive gold medal. This elite team features stalwarts such as A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games.
A juxtaposition is seen with Cameron Brink, a rookie for the Los Angeles Sparks, who is out for the remainder of the WNBA season due to a torn ACL. Her absence is felt as the world keeps an eye on newer talents stepping up to the plate in this prestigious setting.
Looking Forward
Each 3x3 team has seven games scheduled in the pool round, providing more opportunities for the U.S. teams to reverse their fortunes. The games ahead will test their resilience and ability to adapt under Olympic pressure. With seasoned players and a mix of young talent, both the men's and women's teams will be striving to make their mark on the international stage.
As fans and pundits closely follow this Olympic journey, the narrative of overcoming adversity and striving for victory continues to unfold. While the start has been challenging, the spirit of competition and determination remains strong, offering hope for a turnaround in the games yet to come.