The United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams have faced a rocky start at the 2024 Paris Olympics, failing to secure a win in their first five combined games, casting a shadow over their ambitions.
Women's Team Struggles
The U.S. women's 3x3 team is experiencing an unfortunate string of losses, with defeats against Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia. Their close game against Australia concluded in a 17-15 loss on Thursday. The previous day, they succumbed to Azerbaijan with a score of 20-17. They were also beaten by Germany 17-13 on Tuesday. This sequence of defeats positions them at the bottom of the standings, a far cry from their gold-winning performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Key players like Cierra Burdick, Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, and Hailey Van Lith have been unable to turn the tide for the team. Burdick, who now plays for Valencia in Spain, remarked on the frustrating experience, “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly,” following their loss to Germany.
The women's roster features a blend of experienced and emerging talents. Dearica Hamby, representing the Los Angeles Sparks, and Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream bring their WNBA prowess to the court. Hailey Van Lith, still in college, and Cierra Burdick, a seasoned player in Spain, were part of the team that clinched gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup. Despite these credentials, the team has struggled to replicate past successes in Paris.
Men's Team Woes
On the men's side, the storyline appears similarly bleak. Making their Olympic debut, the men's 3x3 team has also been unable to capture a win. They lost 19-17 to Poland and were defeated 22-14 by Serbia, the team they faced in the finals of the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where they secured a second-place finish.
The men's roster includes notable players such as Jimmer Fredette, who has six seasons of NBA experience under his belt, alongside Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox. Despite their efforts, the team has yet to find their rhythm in the competitive Olympic environment. After Tuesday's game, Jimmer Fredette expressed optimism, saying, “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow.”
The Game Format
3x3 basketball, a unique format utilizing only half the court and a rapid 10-minute game structure, poses distinct challenges and opportunities. The scoring system, where baskets count for one or two points, requires quick adaptability and seamless teamwork. Players earn their spots through participation in sanctioned 3x3 events throughout the year, ensuring only the most dedicated and skilled individuals make it to the Olympic stage.
Legacy and Expectations
The struggles of the 3x3 teams might come as a surprise, especially considering the formidable legacy of U.S. basketball on the international stage. The USA women's 5x5 team, for instance, has maintained an undefeated Olympic record since 1992 and is on a quest for their eighth consecutive gold medal in Paris. With stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi making her sixth Olympic appearance, the expectations are sky-high for their continued dominance.
However, the rocky beginnings for both the men's and women's 3x3 teams serve as a reminder of the unpredictability and intensity of Olympic competition. With several games still to be played in the pool round, there remains a sliver of hope for the teams to rally and improve their standings.
Both teams will have to dig deep, leverage their experience, and perhaps find inspiration from their illustrious 5x5 counterparts to navigate the challenges ahead in Paris.