On Tuesday, both the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams encountered a rocky start to their campaigns at the 2024 Paris Olympics, suffering defeats in their opening matches.
Women's Team Falters Against Germany
The U.S. women's 3x3 team, despite a promising early lead, fell to Germany with a final score of 17-13. The team surged ahead with a 5-0 lead, demonstrating their potential and leaving fans hopeful. However, Germany mounted a strong comeback, ultimately securing the victory. The U.S. squad's lineup has seen some changes, with Dearica Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks joining the team after Cameron Brink's unfortunate ACL tear, a move aimed at strengthening their roster. Alongside Hamby, the team includes prominent players like Rhyne Howard from the Atlanta Dream, Hailey Van Lith, a collegiate athlete, and Cierra Burdick, who plays professionally for Valencia in Spain.
Burdick, reflecting on the match, candidly admitted, "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly," a sentiment likely shared by many fans who witnessed the game. Both Burdick and Van Lith were pivotal to the team's gold-medal-winning performance at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, which makes the loss to Germany even more surprising. The U.S. women previously triumphed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, with a roster comprising Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young, a team that set high expectations for their successors.
U.S. Men Stumble Against No. 1 Ranked Serbia
Meanwhile, the U.S. men's 3x3 team faced a formidable Serbian team, recognized as the world's top squad in men’s 3x3 basketball. Serbia, who had secured a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, proved their dominance once again with a comprehensive 22-14 victory over the United States. The U.S. team, featuring players like Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, initially took control of the game, leading for much of the first half. However, Serbia's experience and skill overshadowed the U.S. effort as the game progressed.
Jimmer Fredette, a former NBA player who spent six seasons in the league, remains optimistic about the team's prospects. "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow," Fredette shared, emphasizing the importance of resilience and persistence as the competition advances. The U.S. men's team earned their spot in Paris by finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, a testament to their capabilities and potential to recover from the initial setback.
The Legacy and Future of U.S. Basketball
In addition to the challenges faced by the 3x3 teams, the broader canvas of U.S. basketball at the Olympics paints a picture of continued dominance and high aspirations. The U.S. women's 5x5 basketball team, for instance, has not tasted defeat in Olympic competition since 1992 and is on a quest to secure their eighth consecutive gold medal. Stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the veteran Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games, are expected to lead the team in their pursuit of another title.
Similarly, the U.S. men's 5x5 team aims for their fifth consecutive gold medal, continuing a legacy of excellence. The commitment and consistency displayed by both the men's and women's 5x5 teams provide a rich context for the ambitions of the 3x3 squads. Despite the early losses, the determination and talent within the U.S. teams portend a fierce competition ahead in Paris, where both redemption and triumph are within their grasp.