On a challenging Tuesday in Paris, both the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams faced setbacks in their opening games at the 2024 Olympics. The women's team fell to Germany with a 17-13 loss, while the men's team was defeated by Serbia, 22-14.
Early Lead, Sorrowful Finish
In a game that initially showed promise, the U.S. women's 3x3 team surged to a 5-0 lead against Germany. However, their early advantage dissipated as Germany fought back to secure the victory. "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly," reflected Cierra Burdick, a key player for the U.S. women's team who also has experience playing for Valencia in Spain.
Dearica Hamby, who stars for the Los Angeles Sparks, joined the team following Cameron Brink's unfortunate ACL injury. Alongside Hamby, Rhyne Howard from the Atlanta Dream, and Hailey Van Lith, who plays college basketball, rounded out the squad. Burdick and Van Lith brought valuable experience, having contributed to the team that clinched gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup.
High Expectations and Historical Context
The U.S. women's 3x3 team has a storied history, winning the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. That team included Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young, adding to the weight of expectations for the current roster.
On the men's side, Serbia's reputation as the world's No. 1 team in 3x3 basketball proved true once again. Their victory over the U.S. was a continuation of their dominance, having previously defeated the American team in the 2023 FIBA World Cup final with a close score of 21-19. Serbia also finished the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with a bronze medal.
A Promising Beginning, a Disappointing Outcome
The U.S. men's team, comprising Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, demonstrated strong potential by leading for much of the first half against Serbia. Fredette, a former NBA player with six seasons under his belt, encapsulated the team’s determination, stating, "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow."
The Americans secured their spot in the Paris Olympics by finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, indicating the high level of competition in the tournament.
Olympic Legacy and Future Aspirations
While the 3x3 teams faced early hurdles, the U.S. women's 5x5 basketball team remains a formidable force, not having lost an Olympic game since 1992. As they aim for their eighth consecutive gold medal, the roster boasts standout players like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games.
Similarly, the U.S. men's 5x5 basketball team is focused on claiming their fifth consecutive gold. The teams now have the opportunity to learn from these initial challenges and channel their resilience for the matches to come.
As the tournament progresses, the narratives of both the men's and women's 3x3 teams will continue to unfold. Their opening day may have been tough, but with a blend of seasoned talent and youthful vigor, both teams will strive to overcome these early losses and aim for Olympic success.