On Tuesday, the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams were dealt significant blows in their opening matches at the 2024 Paris Olympics, each falling short against formidable opponents.
U.S. Women’s 3x3 Team Struggle Despite Early Lead
The U.S. women's 3x3 team initially appeared poised for victory, jumping to a 5-0 lead against Germany. However, the tides quickly turned as Germany mounted a fierce comeback, eventually securing a 17-13 victory. The loss is particularly stinging considering the team's strong historical performances in the event.
The U.S. women's 3x3 team has a reputed pedigree, having clinched the gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a roster that included Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young. Their initial lineup for the Paris Olympics featured Dearica Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks, who stepped in following Cameron Brink’s unfortunate torn ACL. Additional talent such as Rhyne Howard from the Atlanta Dream, Hailey Van Lith, and Cierra Burdick, who plays for Valencia in Spain, rounded out the team.
Burdick, reflecting on the match, confessed, "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly." Both Burdick and Van Lith had previously contributed to the team’s gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, adding to the weight of expectation on the squad’s collective shoulders.
U.S. Men’s 3x3 Team Overwhelmed by Serbia
On the men’s side, the U.S. faced a daunting challenge against Serbia, the world's No. 1 3x3 team. Despite leading for much of the first half, the U.S. men's team could not hold off Serbia's advances, ultimately losing 22-14. The loss was a stark reminder of Serbia's prowess, as they had previously bested the U.S. in the final of the 2023 FIBA World Cup with a close score of 21-19.
The U.S. men’s 3x3 roster features notable names such as Jimmer Fredette, who brought experience from his six-season NBA career, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox. The team had qualified for the Paris Olympics by finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, setting high hopes for their performance in Paris.
In a post-game reflection, Jimmer Fredette remained optimistic, stating, "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow."
Resilient Legacy of U.S. Women's and Men's 5x5 Teams
While the 3x3 teams faced early hurdles, other U.S. basketball squads carry the torch of American dominance. The U.S. women's 5x5 basketball team is particularly noteworthy for its incredible unbeaten run since 1992, aiming for an unprecedented eighth consecutive gold medal in Paris. This year’s roster boasts luminaries such as A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the iconic Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games.
On the men's side, the 5x5 basketball team is also striving for continued glory, seeking their fifth consecutive gold medal. While the 3x3 losses might cast a temporary shadow, these two squads maintain their stronghold on the international basketball scene.
As the players regroup and refocus, the U.S. teams forge ahead in an Olympic journey that is as much about overcoming adversity as it is about celebrating athletic excellence. Both the men's and women's 3x3 teams are set to hit the court again, carrying lessons from their initial setbacks and the promise of redemption in a tournament that is just beginning. With each bounce of the ball, they remain emblematic of both national pride and the relentless pursuit of victory.