On a challenging Tuesday in Paris, both the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams stumbled in their opening games of the 2024 Olympics. The U.S. women's team suffered a 17-13 loss against Germany, while the men's team fell 22-14 to world-ranked No. 1 Serbia.
Women's 3x3 Basketball Team Faces Unexpected Defeat
The U.S. women's team experienced an early surge, jumping to a 5-0 lead against Germany. Despite this promising start, Germany mounted a comeback to ultimately secure the victory. The loss marks a stark contrast from the U.S. women's successful stint at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where the team clinched the gold medal.
Key players on the U.S. women's team include Dearica Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks, who joined the squad after Cameron Brink suffered a torn ACL. Rhyne Howard from the Atlanta Dream and Cierra Burdick, currently playing for Valencia in Spain, were also instrumental. Burdick, along with Hailey Van Lith, contributed to the team that won gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup.
"I didn't think it was going to be that ugly," remarked Burdick on the team's performance, reflecting the disappointment felt by the entire squad. The women's team, hopeful for a strong comeback, will look to regain their footing in the upcoming matches.
Serbian Dominance in Men's 3x3 Basketball
The U.S. men's 3x3 team had a tough encounter against Serbia, the world's top-ranked team in men's 3x3 basketball. Competing against a formidable opponent who recently claimed bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and defeated the U.S. in the 2023 FIBA World Cup final, the American men faced a significant challenge even before the game began.
Serbia proved their prowess by outpacing the U.S. in a game that ended 22-14. Despite this, the U.S. men's team, which includes Jimmer Fredette—a former NBA player with six seasons under his belt—led for much of the first half. Other notable players on the team are Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox.
"It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow," said Fredette, underscoring the team's determination to rebound in the upcoming games. The U.S. men's team had earned their spot at the Paris Olympics by finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Historic Dominance in 5x5 Basketball
While the 3x3 teams faced initial setbacks, the U.S. retains strong hopes for their 5x5 basketball teams. The U.S. women's 5x5 basketball team boasts an impressive undefeated streak in Olympic play that dates back to 1992. This year, they aim for a remarkable eighth consecutive gold medal. Key players such as A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and seasoned veteran Diana Taurasi—competing in her sixth Olympic Games—bolster the squad.
On the men's 5x5 side, Team USA is gunning for their fifth consecutive gold medal, highlighting their long-standing dominance in the sport. The excitement and pressure are palpable as both the men's and women's teams aim to continue their legacy of excellence on the international stage.
Looking Forward
The American 3x3 teams’ journey at the Paris Olympics has just begun, and despite the early setbacks, there remains a sense of optimism and resilience among the players. With experienced athletes and a rich history of success to draw from, both the men's and women's teams will undoubtedly be eager to turn the tide in the forthcoming matches.
As the tournament progresses, fans and opponents alike will be watching closely to see if the U.S. teams can recover from their opening stumbles and once again secure their place atop the podium.