On Tuesday, both the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams experienced challenging starts to their 2024 Paris Olympics campaigns. The women's team fell 17-13 to Germany, while the men's team was defeated 22-14 by Serbia, the world's top-ranked 3x3 team.
USA Women’s Narrow Defeat
The U.S. women's team initially displayed promise in their matchup, taking an early 5-0 lead against Germany. However, the Germans rallied back to secure a 17-13 victory, marking an unexpected early setback for the American team. The U.S. squad featured talents such as Dearica Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks, who joined the team following Cameron Brink's unfortunate ACL injury, and Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream.
Notably, Hailey Van Lith, who plays college basketball, and Cierra Burdick, who competes for Valencia in Spain, were key contributors. Both players had previously led the team to gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup. This same U.S. squad clinched the gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, then featuring players like Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young.
After the loss, Cierra Burdick candidly remarked, "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly," reflecting on the team's performance and unexpected result. The team's resilience will be critical as they look to rebound in their upcoming games.
Men’s Team Challenges Top-Ranked Serbia
The U.S. men’s 3x3 team, comprising Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, held a lead for much of the first half against Serbia before succumbing to a 22-14 defeat. Serbia, the world’s premier team in men’s 3x3 basketball, demonstrated their prowess by overcoming the initial American lead. This defeat echoed their clash at the 2023 FIBA World Cup final, where Serbia edged out the U.S. 21-19 to claim the title.
Jimmer Fredette, who spent six seasons in the NBA, expressed optimism despite the loss, stating, "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow." Fredette's presence and experience are invaluable to a team that finished second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, earning their ticket to the Paris Olympics.
While both U.S. 3x3 teams seek to recapture their winning form, they understand the tournament's length provides ample opportunity for redemption and improved performances.
Legacy of USA Basketball
Meanwhile, the U.S. women's 5x5 basketball team carries a formidable legacy into the 2024 Olympics, having not lost a game since 1992. The team, aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal, features basketball superstars such as A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi, who is making her sixth Olympic appearance. Their dominant streak underscores the depth and talent that has characterized U.S. women's basketball for over two decades.
On the men’s side, the U.S. 5x5 basketball team is vying for their fifth consecutive gold medal, continuing a tradition of excellence in the sport. The combination of new talent and seasoned professionals in the 5x5 format provides a robust foundation for continued success on the Olympic stage.
The opening challenges faced by the U.S. 3x3 teams serve as a reminder that the path to Olympic glory is fraught with formidable opponents and unpredictable outcomes. As the tournament progresses, both squads will need to draw on their skill, experience, and resilience to navigate through the remaining games.
With high hopes and the legacy of U.S. basketball excellence behind them, the American teams are poised to make their mark in Paris, striving for podium finishes and another chapter in their storied histories.