On a day of surprising upsets, both the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams faced early setbacks in their 2024 Paris Olympics campaign. The U.S. women's team, despite an initial strong performance, succumbed to Germany with a final score of 17-13. The men’s team, on the other hand, was outmatched by Serbia, losing 22-14.
Women's 3x3: A Strong Start, a Tough Finish
The U.S. women's 3x3 basketball team began their game against Germany with a promising 5-0 lead. However, Germany managed to claw their way back into the game, ultimately securing a victory that left the American team reflecting on both their early dominance and eventual falter. Featuring stars like Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, Hailey Van Lith, and Cierra Burdick, the team couldn’t maintain their momentum.
Dearica Hamby, playing for the Los Angeles Sparks, had recently joined the squad following Cameron Brink's unfortunate ACL tear. The roster boasted diversity in experience with Hailey Van Lith still in college and Cierra Burdick bringing her international experience from playing with the Spanish team Valencia. Both Van Lith and Burdick were part of the team that clinched gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, but on this occasion, their combined efforts weren't enough.
Reflecting on the game, Cierra Burdick candidly remarked, "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly." The comment highlights the team's surprise at the result, considering they were the gold medalists at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, with a roster that then included Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young.
Men's 3x3: Hard Fought Battle Against World No. 1
For the U.S. men's 3x3 team, the opening game against Serbia was an equally tough battle. Despite leading for much of the first half, the U.S. side couldn't maintain their advantage. The Serbian team, currently ranked No. 1 in the world, demonstrated why they're at the top, finishing the game strong and clinching a 22-14 win.
The U.S. men's roster features notable players including Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox. Fredette, a former NBA player with six seasons under his belt, expressed optimism despite the loss. "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow," he said. The team had qualified for the Paris Olympics by finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where Serbia again proved to be their nemesis with a narrow 21-19 victory in the final.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
The setbacks for both teams are notable, especially considering their strong international reputations and past successes. The women's 3x3 team is renowned for their incredible performances, including their gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympics. Similarly, the men's team has a storied history and is driven by accomplished players including the likes of Fredette.
While the 3x3 teams faced challenges, the U.S. women's 5x5 basketball team continues to be a powerhouse. The team boasts an unbroken streak of Olympic victories since 1992 and is striving for their eighth consecutive gold medal. Their current roster is stacked with talent, including A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi, who is participating in her sixth Olympic Games.
The men's 5x5 team is also eager to extend their dominance, seeking a fifth consecutive gold medal. The legacy of U.S. basketball excellence continues to be a motivating factor across all formats of the game, from 3x3 to traditional 5x5 teams.
As the tournament progresses, both the men's and women's 3x3 teams will look to regroup and leverage their experience and skills to make a strong comeback. Their resilience and talent leave room for hope that these early upsets may merely be a prelude to greater achievements to come.
The 2024 Paris Olympics have just begun, promising more action, drama, and an unwavering drive for gold from teams and athletes who carry the weight of high expectations and storied legacies on their shoulders. Fans will undoubtedly watch closely as the narrative of triumph and challenge in U.S. basketball unfolds.