The United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams have had a rocky start at the 2024 Paris Olympics, failing to secure a win in their first five combined games. The women's 3x3 team, in particular, has struggled, suffering losses to Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia.
The tumultuous journey began on Tuesday when the women faced Germany, losing narrowly with a final score of 17-13. Cierra Burdick, a key player on the team who currently plays in Spain for Valencia, expressed her dismay following the game. “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly,” lamented Burdick.
The next day saw more disappointment as the women fell to Azerbaijan 20-17. Their game against Australia on Thursday was a close contest but ended in another defeat, with a score of 17-15. These losses have placed the women's team at the bottom of the standings, a stark contrast to their gold-medal performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The women's roster includes notable players such as Dearica Hamby, who plays for the Los Angeles Sparks, and Rhyne Howard, part of the Atlanta Dream. Hailey Van Lith, still a college athlete, and Cierra Burdick, who also clinched gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup alongside Van Lith, round out the team. Despite their credentials and prior successes, the team has been unable to replicate their past performances in Paris.
The men's 3x3 basketball team hasn’t fared much better. Making their Olympic debut, the men’s team suffered a close 19-17 defeat to Poland before being decisively beaten by Serbia 22-14. The men's team, which includes Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, had high hopes after finishing second to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Jimmer Fredette, with six seasons in the NBA under his belt, remains optimistic despite the initial setbacks. “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow,” he remarked after Tuesday's game.
Training and preparation have been rigorous for both teams. The men’s team held a training camp in February in anticipation of their Olympic appearance. However, the unforgiving format of the 3x3 game, which uses half the court and features a 10-minute game, has proven to be a challenge. With scoring that only counts baskets for one or two points, every moment on the court is critical.
One possible bright spot remains in the experience and capabilities of the USA’s 5x5 teams. The women's 5x5 team boasts an undefeated Olympic record since 1992 and is aiming for its eighth consecutive gold medal. Key players like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games, bring a wealth of talent and experience to the table.
As for now, both 3x3 teams have their work cut out for them with seven games scheduled in the pool round. The U.S. teams will need to swiftly regroup and adjust their strategies to turn their fortunes around in the remaining matches. The road to redemption is steep, but with the depth of talent on both squads, the possibility for a spectacular turnaround remains within reach.