The United States' 3x3 basketball teams have had a rocky start at the 2024 Paris Olympics, failing to secure a victory in their first combined five games. The women's team has particularly struggled, suffering defeats against Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia, and they currently find themselves at the bottom of the standings.
Women's Team Struggles
The women's team's woes began with a 17-13 loss to Germany on Tuesday, followed by a 20-17 defeat against Azerbaijan on Wednesday. Their latest setback came on Thursday, losing 17-15 to Australia. Despite the presence of key player Cierra Burdick, alongside Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, and Hailey Van Lith, the team has not been able to turn the tide in their favor. Burdick, who now plays for Valencia in Spain, reflected on their performance against Germany, saying, "I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly."
Burdick and Van Lith were part of the team that clinched gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, adding to the weight of expectations on their shoulders. As part of a country that took home gold in women's 3x3 basketball at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and has maintained an undefeated record in 5x5 basketball since 1992, this start is certainly below par for the U.S. delegation.
In addition to Burdick's experience, the team benefits from Hamby's talents; she currently plays for the Los Angeles Sparks. Rhyne Howard, representing the Atlanta Dream, and college athlete Hailey Van Lith round out the squad. However, despite their individual prowess, the team chemistry and execution have fallen short.
Men's Team Also Faces Challenges
On the men's side, the prospects haven't been much brighter. In their first-ever Olympic appearance, the U.S. men's 3x3 team fell 19-17 to Poland and then suffered a more significant defeat, 22-14, at the hands of Serbia. Both games highlighted areas that the team needs to improve upon if they are to make a mark in this competitive tournament.
The roster includes seasoned professional Jimmer Fredette, who has six seasons of NBA experience under his belt. Alongside Fredette, the team features Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox. Reflecting on the games, Fredette made it clear that the team is not ready to give up just yet. "It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow," he stated after Tuesday's loss.
The men's team came to Paris with high hopes, having finished second to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and enjoyed the benefit of a training camp in February. However, the initial results have shown that the step up to the Olympic stage comes with its own set of challenges.
3x3 Basketball: A Unique and Intense Format
3x3 basketball, a relatively new addition to the Olympics, heralds a different set of rules and dynamics compared to its traditional 5x5 counterpart. Played on half a court, the game lasts just 10 minutes, and baskets are counted as either one or two points. This format demands quick thinking, almost instantaneous decision-making, and flawless execution—attributes that the U.S. teams will need to harness quickly if they are to rebound in their remaining games.
Each team is slated for seven games in the pool round, meaning both the men's and women's squads still have opportunities to change their fortunes. However, the clock is ticking, and the competition is fierce. High hopes and great expectations have been the hallmark of U.S. basketball on the global stage for decades; hence, a strong comeback is not merely desired—it is essential.
While the women's 5x5 team, led by stars such as A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Olympic veteran Diana Taurasi, aims for its eighth consecutive gold medal, the 3x3 teams are learning firsthand the difficulties of translating past success into current triumphs. Diana Taurasi, competing in her sixth Olympic Games, embodies the experience and resilience that the 3x3 squads will now need to draw upon.
As the U.S. 3x3 teams continue their quest in Paris, the upcoming games will be critical in defining their Olympic journeys. They will need to dig deep, find their rhythm, and leverage every ounce of their talent and experience to turn their current narratives around.