On Tuesday, both the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams faced unexpected setbacks during their opening games of the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking a disappointing start for the squads known for their strong performances.
Women’s Team Stumbles Despite Early Lead
The U.S. women’s 3x3 team kicked off their campaign with a 17-13 loss to Germany. Initially, the U.S. women looked poised for victory, jumping to a promising 5-0 lead. However, the German team rallied back, ultimately securing the victory against their American counterparts. “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly,” admitted Cierra Burdick, reflecting on the unexpected turn of events.
This U.S. roster features notable players such as Dearica Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks, who joined the team following Cameron Brink's torn ACL, and Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream. The team also includes college standout Hailey Van Lith and Spain-based player Cierra Burdick, both of whom contributed to the team that won gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup.
The U.S. women’s 3x3 team, an established force in this format, had previously captured the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a roster that included Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young. However, their recent loss to Germany serves as a stark reminder of the challenges of the international stage.
Men’s Team Overrun by Serbia
The U.S. men’s 3x3 team, featuring former NBA player Jimmer Fredette alongside Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, faced a tough opponent in Serbia, currently the world’s No. 1 team in men’s 3x3 basketball. Despite leading for much of the first half, the U.S. team was ultimately defeated 22-14. Serbia, who had finished with a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and defeated the U.S. in the 2023 FIBA World Cup final, showcased their dominance once again.
Fredette, after the game, remained optimistic about their prospects: “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow.” The U.S. men had qualified for the Paris Olympics by finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, demonstrating their capability to compete at the highest level.
Historic Aims for 5x5 Teams
While the 3x3 teams confronted early challenges, the United States’ women’s and men’s 5x5 basketball teams continue to uphold their storied legacies. The U.S. women’s 5x5 team, which boasts stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi, has not tasted defeat in an Olympic game since 1992. With their eyes set on an eighth consecutive gold medal, they aim to extend their reign of dominance. Notably, Taurasi is competing in her sixth Olympic Games, underscoring her remarkable career and experience.
On the men’s side, the U.S. 5x5 team is seeking their fifth straight gold medal, further cementing their dominance in international basketball. These aspirations reflect the high standard and historical success associated with U.S. basketball on the global stage.
As the tournament unfolds, both 3x3 teams will look to regroup and find their winning form in their pursuit of Olympic glory, drawing inspiration from their 5x5 counterparts and their own past successes. For U.S. basketball fans, the coming days will be crucial to see if these teams can bounce back and showcase the resilience and excellence expected from them on the Olympic stage.