Disappointing Starts for U.S. 3x3 Basketball Teams at Paris 2024
Tuesday marked a tough start for the United States' 3x3 basketball teams at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with both the men's and women's squads suffering defeats in their opening matches. The losses have paved an uphill path for the teams as they look to build momentum in the coming games.
Women’s Team Succumbs to Germany
The U.S. women's 3x3 team encountered a fierce German squad, ending the game with a 17-13 loss. Despite a promising start with a 5-0 lead, the Americans couldn't maintain their advantage. Germany fought back to secure a win, powered by strategic plays and timely shots.
Dearica Hamby, a star player for the Los Angeles Sparks, joined the team after Cameron Brink's unfortunate ACL tear. Rhyne Howard, representing the Atlanta Dream, and Hailey Van Lith, who plays college basketball, also lend their skills to the squad. Cierra Burdick, playing for Valencia in Spain, rounds out the talented team.
Burdick's frustration was evident post-game: "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly," she remarked, reflecting the group’s sentiments after a hard-fought but disappointing match.
The U.S. women have a storied history in 3x3 basketball, winning the gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Key players from that roster included Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young. The current team will need to dig deep to replicate past successes in the coming matches.
Men’s Team Overpowered by Serbia
The U.S. men's 3x3 team faced an even stiffer challenge, taking on the world's top-ranked Serbian team. Despite leading for much of the first half, the U.S. eventually fell 22-14 to a formidable opponent. Serbia's prowess is well-documented, having finished with a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and recently defeating the U.S. in the 2023 FIBA World Cup final with a score of 21-19.
The American roster includes former NBA player Jimmer Fredette, alongside Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox. Fredette, who previously played six seasons in the NBA, expressed optimism despite the loss: "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow."
The U.S. men’s 3x3 team qualified for the Paris Olympics by finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Their path forward may be challenging, but the team is determined to prove their mettle in the upcoming games.
Historical Context and Expectations
The U.S. women's 5x5 basketball team holds an extraordinary Olympic record, having not lost a game since 1992. They are on a quest for their eighth consecutive gold medal, showcasing a roster that includes stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games.
On the men's side, the U.S. 5x5 basketball team is also in pursuit of glory, aiming for their fifth consecutive gold medal. The legacy and performance of the 3x3 and 5x5 teams highlight the United States' deep-rooted history and dominance in Olympic basketball.
Looking Forward
As the tournament progresses, both the men's and women's 3x3 teams will need to regroup and harness their talent and experience to overcome the challenges ahead. Victory might have eluded them on the opening day, but the spirit and determination of these athletes suggest that the final chapters of their Olympic stories are still unwritten.