On a challenging Tuesday at the 2024 Paris Olympics, both United States men’s and women’s 3x3 basketball teams stumbled in their respective opening games. These losses mark a rough start for teams with high expectations in the short but intense format of 3x3 basketball.
Women’s Team Stumbles Against Germany
In the women's match, the U.S. team began with a promising 5-0 lead against Germany. The initial momentum, however, quickly waned, and the Germans clawed their way back, ultimately securing a 17-13 victory. The U.S. team, featuring prominent players like Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, and Hailey Van Lith, struggled to maintain their offensive rhythm as Germany’s defense tightened.
Dearica Hamby, who stepped in following Cameron Brink's unfortunate torn ACL, brought new dynamics to the squad but it wasn’t enough to overturn the German advance. Hamby, a star for the Los Angeles Sparks, had hoped to make an immediate positive impact on the 3x3 stage.
The U.S. women's 3x3 team has a storied history, having previously clinched gold in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The Tokyo roster, which included Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young, set a high standard. Current players like Cierra Burdick, now playing for Valencia in Spain, and Hailey Van Lith, still active in college basketball, were part of the gold-winning team at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup. Despite their successful past, the team faced unforeseen challenges in their opening game.
"I didn't think it was going to be that ugly," Cierra Burdick candidly expressed after the defeat, underscoring the unexpected nature of their loss.
Men’s Team Overpowered by Serbian Giants
On the men's side, the U.S. faced Serbia, the world's top-ranked team in 3x3 basketball. Initially, the American team showed promising signs, leading for much of the first half. However, Serbia, displaying their bronze-winning form from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, overpowered the U.S. team with a final score of 22-14. Serbia’s dominance is well-documented, having defeated the U.S. in the 2023 FIBA World Cup final with a narrow 21-19 victory.
The U.S. men’s squad includes notable names like Jimmer Fredette, who previously enjoyed a six-season stint in the NBA, alongside teammates Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox. Fredette, reflecting on the match, maintained a positive outlook. "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow," he remarked, demonstrating resilience and determination.
The men's team earned their spot in the Paris Olympics by finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Despite the setback, their initial performance showed glimpses of potential that they hope to build upon in subsequent games.
The Legacy of U.S. Basketball Continues
While the 3x3 format presents its unique set of challenges, the broader U.S. basketball legacy remains formidable, especially in the traditional 5x5 format. The U.S. women's 5x5 basketball team, aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal, has not lost an Olympic game since 1992. This year’s roster includes luminaries such as A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the venerable Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games.
Equally, the U.S. men’s 5x5 basketball team seeks their fifth consecutive gold medal, underscoring a dominant legacy in Olympic basketball history.
Despite the early setbacks in the 3x3 format, there’s a palpable sense of determination within both U.S. squads. The tournament’s long format permits time for adjustments and comebacks, and both teams are poised to regroup and refocus on their objectives. High expectations remain, and the world will be watching closely as they aim to reclaim their winning form.