On Tuesday, the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams encountered setbacks in their opening games at the 2024 Paris Olympics, marking a challenging start to their campaigns.
Women's Team Faces a Tough Start
The U.S. women's 3x3 team fell short against Germany, losing 17-13 despite taking an early 5-0 lead. Demonstrating initial dominance, the team seemed poised for victory, but Germany mounted a comeback that ultimately secured them the win. Players like Dearica Hamby, who stepped in following Cameron Brink's torn ACL, and Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream, gave their best efforts but couldn't hold back Germany’s surge.
Dearica Hamby, who stars for the Los Angeles Sparks, along with college player Hailey Van Lith and Cierra Burdick, who plays for Valencia in Spain, have previously shown their prowess. Burdick and Van Lith contributed to the gold-winning U.S. team at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup. Reflecting on the loss, Burdick remarked, "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly."
This defeat is a stark contrast to the U.S. women's 3x3 team’s gold medal achievement at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where the roster included Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young.
Men’s Team Bested by Serbia
Similarly, the U.S. men's 3x3 team faced a formidable opponent in Serbia, the world's number one team in men’s 3x3 basketball. The match ended with a significant 22-14 defeat for the U.S., although the American team led for much of the first half. The U.S. team's roster, including Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, was unable to maintain their lead as Serbia powered through to victory.
Jimmer Fredette, who has an impressive background with six seasons in the NBA, remains optimistic despite the loss. "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow," Fredette commented.
This opening loss is another layer of disappointment following the U.S. men’s team’s close defeat by Serbia in the 2023 FIBA World Cup final, where they lost 21-19. Yet, their performance there, finishing in second place, secured their qualification for the Paris Olympics.
The Bigger Picture in U.S. Basketball
While the 3x3 teams navigate their early challenges, the U.S. women's 5x5 basketball team continues to shine brightly, having remained undefeated in Olympic play since 1992. This dominant streak underscores their aspirations for an eighth consecutive gold medal. The current roster boasts significant talent, including A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the veteran Diana Taurasi, who competes in her sixth Olympic Games.
On the men's side, the 5x5 basketball team has similarly set their sights on continuing their gold medal legacy, seeking their fifth consecutive Olympic victory. The determination to extend this golden era remains high, reflecting the United States’ ongoing, storied history in Olympic basketball.
As both the men’s and women’s 3x3 teams process their opening game losses, their resilience and commitment to the tournament come into sharper focus. Each game presents an opportunity for redemption, growth, and the chance to add to the rich tapestry of U.S. basketball success on the global stage.