The United States' performance in the 3x3 basketball events at the 2024 Paris Olympics has been underwhelming, with both the men's and women's teams struggling to secure their first win in the tournament. In an unexpected turn of events, the women's 3x3 team has not managed to triumph in any of their matches against Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia, leaving them at the bottom of the standings.
Women's Struggles
The women’s team, led by players such as Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, Hailey Van Lith, and Cierra Burdick, faced a challenging series of defeats. Their closest match was against Australia, where they fell just short with a 17-15 loss on Thursday. Earlier in the week, they were outplayed by Azerbaijan with a 20-17 score on Wednesday, and Germany with a 17-13 score on Tuesday.
Key player Cierra Burdick, who now plays in Spain for Valencia, expressed her disappointment after the game against Germany, stating, “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly.” This sentiment reflects the frustration within the team, which had high expectations coming into the tournament, especially after Burdick and Hailey Van Lith were part of the team that clinched gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup.
The roster, featuring notable players from various leagues, has not yet found the rhythm required to compete at the highest level. Dearica Hamby, who plays for the Los Angeles Sparks, and Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream, are still adapting to the fast-paced and physically demanding 3x3 format. Hailey Van Lith, still in college, is gaining invaluable experience despite the setbacks.
Men's First Olympic Outing
The men’s 3x3 team is also facing a steep learning curve in their Olympic debut. Comprising Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, the team has shown potential but has yet to translate it into victories. The men’s team narrowly lost to Poland with a score of 19-17, followed by a decisive defeat to Serbia, 22-14.
Jimmer Fredette, who has six seasons of NBA experience under his belt, remains optimistic despite the losses. After Tuesday's game, he commented, “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow.” This positive outlook is crucial as the team aims to capitalize on the remaining games in the pool round.
Background and Expectations
The U.S. women's 3x3 team came into the Paris Olympics as favorites, having secured the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The struggle in Paris has been a stark contrast to their dominant past performances. The 3x3 basketball format, which features half-court play and a fast-paced 10-minute game, demands quick adaptability and strategic acumen, aspects in which the U.S. teams are still seeking consistency.
On the other hand, the men’s team, despite its second-place finish to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, is navigating the pressures of the Olympic stage for the first time. Their preparation included a training camp in February, highlighting the dedication and effort put forth to compete at this level.
Players to Watch
Aside from the 3x3 format, the U.S. women's 5x5 team continues to uphold its legacy with an undefeated Olympic record since 1992 and is aiming for its eighth consecutive gold medal. Key figures like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi play pivotal roles. Taurasi, competing in her sixth Olympic Games, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the team.
Looking Ahead
Each 3x3 team has seven games scheduled in the pool round, leaving room for potential comebacks. Both U.S. teams are determined to leverage every match as an opportunity to refine their strategies and earn victories.
In conclusion, the initial struggles of the U.S. men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams in the 2024 Paris Olympics underscore the unpredictability of sports and the evolving nature of international competitions. As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike will keenly watch how these teams adapt, persevere, and strive to turn their fortunes around on the Olympic stage.