On Tuesday, the United States faced a challenging start in the 2024 Paris Olympics with both the men’s and women’s 3x3 basketball teams suffering losses in their opening games. The women’s team was narrowly defeated 17-13 by Germany, while the men’s team fell 22-14 to Serbia, the world's top-ranked 3x3 team.
Women's Team Faces Early Setback
The U.S. women’s 3x3 squad began their contest against Germany with an impressive 5-0 lead. However, the early advantage was not enough to secure the win as Germany rallied to clinch the game by four points. The loss highlighted the competitive nature of the tournament and the relentless spirit of the competing nations. Despite the defeat, the team remains optimistic about their chances in the upcoming matches.
Adding to the narrative of resilience, Dearica Hamby joined the team under challenging circumstances, replacing Cameron Brink who suffered a torn ACL. Hamby, alongside talents like Rhyne Howard, from the Atlanta Dream, and Hailey Van Lith, still active in college basketball, showcases a dynamic mix of professional and emerging talents. Cierra Burdick, playing for Valencia in Spain, and Van Lith were pivotal in the U.S. team that captured gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup.
"I didn't think it was going to be that ugly," Burdick remarked, reflecting on the unexpected outcome of the match. Nonetheless, the U.S. women's team enters the tournament with a strong pedigree, having won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a roster that included Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young.
Men's Team Bested by Serbia
The U.S. men's 3x3 team encountered a formidable opponent in Serbia, who demonstrated why they hold the title of the world's number one team. The U.S. led for much of the first half but couldn’t sustain their momentum against a Serbian team that eventually secured the 22-14 victory. Serbia, with a bronze finish at the Tokyo Olympics and a recent victory over the U.S. in the 2023 FIBA World Cup final, underscored their dominance in the sport.
The U.S. men's team, featuring Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, certainly has the experience and talent to make a deep run in the tournament. Fredette, a former NBA player, encapsulated the team’s spirit after the loss: "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow." This optimism is grounded in their successful qualification for Paris by earning second place at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Legacy and Future Aspirations
While these opening day losses are setbacks, they are not definitive markers of what these teams can achieve in this Olympic journey. The U.S. 3x3 teams have a storied history and substantial talent that can propel them forward in the tournament. They aim to build on the legacy of their predecessors and the unparalleled success of their counterparts in the 5x5 format.
On the topic of 5x5 basketball, the U.S. women's 5x5 team boasts an extraordinary record, having not lost an Olympic game since 1992. The team is vying for their eighth consecutive gold medal, with a stellar roster including A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the veteran Diana Taurasi, who is participating in her sixth Olympic Games. The U.S. men's 5x5 team also continues to be a powerhouse, targeting their fifth consecutive gold medal.
Despite Tuesday's disappointing results, the journey is far from over for the U.S. 3x3 basketball teams. Their resilience and determination will be put to the test as they look to bounce back in the subsequent games, embodying the competitive spirit that has long defined American basketball on the world stage.