The United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams have encountered a rocky start at the 2024 Paris Olympics, failing to secure a win in their first five combined games. The women's team, once a beacon of hope with their previous successes, has particularly struggled, facing defeats in all three of their matches thus far.
Women's Team Struggles
The U.S. women's 3x3 basketball team has been on the receiving end of some tough losses, dropping games to Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia. On Thursday, the team fell to Australia 17-15 in a closely contested match. This loss followed a 20-17 defeat to Azerbaijan on Wednesday and a 17-13 loss to Germany on Tuesday. These setbacks have placed the women's team at the bottom of the standings, casting a shadow over their once-promising campaign.
Cierra Burdick, a key player on the women's team who now plies her trade in Spain for Valencia, expressed her disappointment after their game against Germany. "I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly," she admitted, reflecting the sentiments of a squad struggling to find its rhythm.
Despite sporting talents like Burdick, Dearica Hamby (Los Angeles Sparks), Rhyne Howard (Atlanta Dream), and Hailey Van Lith (still in college), the team has not been able to replicate their gold-winning performance from the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup. The absence of Cameron Brink, a rookie for the Los Angeles Sparks who is out for the rest of the WNBA season due to a torn ACL, might have also played a role in the team's early struggles.
Men's Team's Debut Woes
The men's 3x3 team, making their first appearance in the Olympic Games, has also faced significant challenges. They lost 19-17 to Poland and suffered a more substantial 22-14 defeat at the hands of Serbia. This is a stark contrast to their performance at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where they finished second to Serbia.
Jimmer Fredette, a seasoned player with six NBA seasons under his belt, articulated a sense of determination despite the setbacks. “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow,” he said following Tuesday's game. Alongside Fredette, the team comprises Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, who collectively formed a squad with high hopes yet unmet expectations thus far.
The 3x3 Format and Prospects
3x3 basketball, a unique format using half the court and featuring a 10-minute game, demands a different approach compared to traditional 5x5 basketball. Scoring involves baskets worth one or two points, and players earn their spots on the team through participation in more sanctioned 3x3 events throughout the year.
Each team has seven games scheduled in the pool round, leaving room for potential comebacks. While the U.S. women's team is aiming to defend its gold from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the men's team is navigating the pressures of their Olympic debut.
Legacy and Expectations
The shadow of the USA women's 5x5 team's legacy looms large over the 3x3 squads. The 5x5 team has maintained an undefeated Olympic record since 1992 and is vying for its eighth consecutive gold medal, powered by stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi. Taurasi, a veteran of six Olympic Games, symbolizes the continuity of excellence that the 3x3 teams aspire to emulate.
As the tournament progresses, both the men's and women's teams will need to regroup and refocus. With talented rosters and the hope of Olympic glory still within reach, the journey ahead may still offer chances for redemption. The next few days will be crucial in determining whether these American squads can turn their fortunes around and make a lasting mark on the 2024 Paris Olympics.