On Tuesday, the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams faced disappointment in their opening games at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Both teams suffered defeats, making for a challenging start to their Olympic campaigns.
Women's Team Stumbles Against Germany
The U.S. women's 3x3 team, despite an initial 5-0 lead, could not hold off Germany and ended with a 17-13 loss. The team, featuring players like Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, Hailey Van Lith, and Cierra Burdick, had high hopes given their impressive history. Hamby joined the squad following Cameron Brink's unfortunate ACL injury, while Burdick and Van Lith were part of the team that clinched gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup.
"I didn't think it was going to be that ugly," Burdick reflected, expressing the team's collective shock and disappointment. Nevertheless, the tournament has just begun, and there is ample opportunity for them to turn things around.
Men's Team Falls to Serbia
Meanwhile, the men's 3x3 team met the formidable Serbian squad, currently ranked as the world's No. 1 team in 3x3 basketball. The U.S. team, consisting of Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, led for much of the first half but eventually succumbed to Serbia with a final score of 22-14.
Despite the loss, Fredette, who has six seasons of NBA experience under his belt, remains optimistic. "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow," he stated, indicating the squad's determination to bounce back. The U.S. men's team had secured their spot at the Paris Olympics by finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where Serbia had also edged them out with a close 21-19 victory in the final.
Historic Context and Future Aspirations
The U.S. women's 3x3 team has a decorated history, having won the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a roster that included Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young. Their past success sets a high bar, and the recent loss to Germany serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and competitiveness of the sport.
Similarly, the U.S. men's team's ambition to make a mark is evident. They know the value of resilience in a grueling tournament and are prepared to recalibrate and improve.
5x5 Basketball Teams Hold the Torch
While the 3x3 teams grapple with their initial setbacks, the U.S. women's 5x5 basketball team is a stalwart of consistency, having not lost an Olympic game since 1992. This year, they aim for their eighth consecutive gold medal, with a roster that boasts stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games.
The U.S. men's 5x5 team is also set on maintaining their golden streak, seeking their fifth consecutive gold medal.
As the 2024 Paris Olympics progress, the 3x3 teams--both men's and women's--will need to dig deep, harness their talent, and exhibit the competitive spirit that defines American basketball. Their journey may have started with hurdles, but champions are often defined by their ability to rise after falling.
Stay tuned as the teams aim to rebound and showcase the skills and determination that have brought them to the world's biggest stage.