Team USA Struggles in Early 3x3 Basketball Games at Paris 2024
The United States' entry into the 3x3 basketball competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics has been rocky, as both the men's and women's teams have yet to secure a win in their first five combined games. Expectations were high, especially given the women's team's previous success on the world stage, but the competition has proven formidable.
Women's Team Faces Early Defeats
The women's 3x3 squad has faced a string of tough losses, starting with Germany, followed by Azerbaijan, and most recently Australia. On Thursday, the team narrowly lost to Australia 17-15, following their 20-17 defeat to Azerbaijan on Wednesday and a 17-13 loss to Germany on Tuesday. This puts the women at the bottom of the standings, a surprising position for a team with gold medalists Cierra Burdick and Hailey Van Lith, who led the team to victory at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup.
Despite their current struggles, there's no denying the talent on the roster. Dearica Hamby, who plays for the Los Angeles Sparks, along with Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream, and Burdick, now with Valencia in Spain, are elite players in their own right. Van Lith, still a college athlete, brings her collegiate prowess to the mix. “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly,” Burdick said after their game against Germany, reflecting the team's surprise and disappointment with their current performance.
Men's Team Looks to Make Mark
The men's team, participating in the Olympic 3x3 basketball for the first time, has also encountered its share of challenges. They suffered a 22-14 loss to Serbia and a narrow 19-17 defeat by Poland. The roster, featuring notable players like Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, had high hopes coming into the competition. After all, they finished second to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup and had a promising training camp in February.
Jimmer Fredette, a six-year NBA veteran, remains optimistic. “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow,” he remarked after Tuesday's game, emphasizing the team's resilience and readiness to fight back in the coming days.
A Closer Look at 3x3 Basketball
For those unfamiliar with 3x3 basketball, the format introduces some unique elements compared to traditional 5x5 basketball. It is played on a half-court, features a 10-minute game format, and scores baskets for one or two points. The pace is fast, and the need for strategic play is paramount, adding another layer of complexity for teams used to the full-court game.
Players earn their spots on the team through participation in sanctioned 3x3 events throughout the year, emphasizing a commitment to the format. Each team in the Olympic tournament has seven games scheduled in the pool round, giving both the men's and women's teams multiple opportunities to turn their fortunes around.
Legacy and Expectations
The high expectations placed on these teams stem from the United States' storied history in basketball. The USA women's 3x3 team clinched gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, adding to the nation's rich tradition in the sport. Furthermore, the USA women's 5x5 team has maintained an unbeaten Olympic run since 1992 and is aiming for its eighth consecutive gold medal in Paris, with stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the veteran Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games.
As the tournament progresses, both the men's and women's 3x3 teams will need to dig deep to overcome their early setbacks. With talented rosters and a history of success behind them, a turnaround is never out of reach for Team USA.