The 2024 Paris Olympics had an inauspicious start for the United States' 3x3 basketball teams, with both the men's and women's squads succumbing in their opening matches. On Tuesday, the U.S. women's 3x3 team fell short against Germany, losing 17-13 after an initial 5-0 lead. Conversely, the men's team faced a formidable challenge from Serbia, ultimately being defeated 22-14.
Women's Team Faces Setback
The U.S. women's 3x3 team had a promising start, surging ahead with a 5-0 lead. However, Germany mounted a strong comeback to secure the victory. Despite the loss, the team remains optimistic about their chances in the tournament. Cierra Burdick, reflecting on the performance, said, "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly."
Dearica Hamby, who stars for the Los Angeles Sparks, joined the team after Cameron Brink's unfortunate ACL tear. Alongside Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream and college basketball standout Hailey Van Lith, Hamby is crucial to the team's lineup. Cierra Burdick, playing for Valencia in Spain, along with Hailey Van Lith, were part of the squad that triumphed at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, an accolade they aim to replicate in Paris.
Having secured the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the U.S. women's 3x3 team came into the Paris Games with high expectations. Their previous roster included standout players like Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young, who set a high bar for the new team to follow.
Men's Team Overwhelmed by Serbia
On the men's side, the U.S. faced an uphill battle against Serbia, the world’s top-ranked 3x3 team. Despite leading for much of the first half, the U.S. squad could not maintain their momentum, falling 22-14. Jimmer Fredette, a six-season NBA veteran, expressed resolve after the game, noting, "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow."
The U.S. men's 3x3 team, which earned its Olympic berth by finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, consists of Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox. The team faced Serbia in the finals of the same World Cup, narrowly losing 21-19, indicating a rivalry that continues to build international interest.
High Hopes for 5x5 Basketball
While the 3x3 teams navigated challenging starts, the U.S. 5x5 basketball teams have a storied history of dominance to uphold. The U.S. women's 5x5 team remains unbeaten in Olympic play since 1992 and is on a quest for their eighth consecutive gold medal. This formidable squad features standout players A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the iconic Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games.
The U.S. men's 5x5 team is similarly ambitious, aiming to secure their fifth consecutive gold medal. With a rich legacy and dominant performances in past tournaments, both the men's and women's 5x5 teams continue to set the standard for basketball excellence on the Olympic stage.
Despite the early losses for the 3x3 teams, their journey in Paris is far from over. With determination and a clear focus on their goals, both squads are positioned to bounce back and make significant gains in the upcoming matches. The world of basketball will be watching closely as the tournament progresses, eager to see how these teams adjust and respond to their initial setbacks.