On a challenging Tuesday, both the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams suffered defeats in their opening games of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite their determined efforts, they couldn't overcome their formidable opponents, Germany and Serbia.
Women’s Team’s Early Struggles
The U.S. women's team began the game on a high note, surging ahead with an early 5-0 lead against Germany. However, Germany regrouped and managed to close the gap, eventually securing a 17-13 victory. Though the U.S. team showed promise initially, the German team’s resilience proved to be challenging. As Cierra Burdick remarked after the game, "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly," reflecting the unexpected nature of their defeat.
The U.S. women's team, a blend of experience and emerging talent, includes stars such as Dearica Hamby from the Los Angeles Sparks and Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream. Hailey Van Lith is also a prominent player hailing from college basketball, while Cierra Burdick plies her trade with Valencia in Spain. Interestingly, Burdick and Van Lith were part of the squad that clinched gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, showcasing their potential to turn things around in the coming games.
Men’s Team Faces the World's Best
The U.S. men's 3x3 basketball team also faced a tough challenge, losing to Serbia 22-14. The Serbian team, ranked as the world’s number one in men’s 3x3 basketball, demonstrated why they hold that title. The U.S. men's team, comprising Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, had moments of brilliance, leading for much of the first half, but ultimately fell short as Serbia pulled away.
Jimmer Fredette, a key figure in the U.S. lineup with six NBA seasons under his belt, remains optimistic despite the defeat. "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow," he stated, signaling the team's determination to bounce back. The men's team earned their spot in the Paris Olympics by finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup and will look to build on that success in their upcoming matches.
Historical Context and Expectations
The U.S. women's 3x3 team has a storied history, winning the gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. That victorious roster boasted talents like Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young, setting a high bar for the current squad. The pressure will be on the current team to live up to those lofty expectations and emulate past successes.
On the men's side, Serbia has been a perennial powerhouse in 3x3 basketball. They claimed the bronze medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and recently bested the U.S. in the 2023 FIBA World Cup final with a close 21-19 scoreline, further solidifying their dominance in the sport.
Beyond 3x3: The 5x5 Hopes
Away from the 3x3 courts, the U.S. retains high hopes in traditional 5x5 basketball. The U.S. women's 5x5 team has enjoyed an unprecedented run, having not lost an Olympic game since 1992. The current roster, featuring luminaries such as A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the evergreen Diana Taurasi—who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games—seeks to capture their eighth consecutive gold medal.
Similarly, the U.S. men's 5x5 team remains heavy favorites, aiming for their fifth consecutive gold. Their consistent dominance in Olympic basketball adds a layer of pride and expectation for American fans, who will be keenly watching their performances in Paris.
As the basketball tournament progresses, both 3x3 teams will be eager to redeem themselves and translate their potential into victories. With a blend of seasoned stars and promising newcomers, there's still a promising pathway for the U.S. teams to leave a significant mark on the 2024 Paris Olympics.