The United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams faced a tough start to their 2024 Paris Olympics campaigns on Tuesday, each suffering defeats in their opening games. The women's team fell to Germany with a score of 17-13, while the men's team was outplayed by the world's No. 1 team, Serbia, losing 22-14.
Despite a strong opening from the U.S. women's team, which saw them lead 5-0 against Germany, the Germans mounted a spirited comeback to secure the victory. Key figures in the game included Dearica Hamby, who joined the team following Cameron Brink's torn ACL, and Rhyne Howard, both of whom showcased their talents although it wasn't enough to clinch the win. Hailey Van Lith and Cierra Burdick, who contributed to the gold-medal-winning team at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, also put in notable performances. Burdick, playing professionally in Spain for Valencia, summed up the game candidly: "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly."
The U.S. women's 3x3 team has a history of success, having won the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a different roster comprising Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young. Despite the current setback, this legacy continues to inspire confidence among fans and players alike.
On the men’s side, Serbia demonstrated why they are considered the top team in the world. The Serbian squad, which secured a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and recently bested the U.S. in the 2023 FIBA World Cup final with a close score of 21-19, once again proved formidable. The U.S. men's team, featuring former NBA player Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, managed to lead for much of the first half but couldn't maintain their momentum against the powerful Serbian team.
Fredette, reflecting on the match, offered an optimistic outlook despite the defeat: "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow." Known for his six seasons in the NBA, Fredette brings a wealth of experience to the squad, which qualified for the Paris Olympics by finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. The team will need to regroup quickly if they hope to make a deep tournament run.
In the larger context of U.S. basketball, the women's 5x5 team remains a dominant force, having not lost an Olympic game since 1992. As they aim for their eighth consecutive gold medal, the squad featuring stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the veteran Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games, remains a beacon of success. Similarly, the men's 5x5 team is also on the hunt for their fifth consecutive gold medal, continuing a storied legacy in Olympic basketball.
While the opening games for the U.S. 3x3 basketball teams have been tough, the journey in Paris is far from over. Both teams possess the talent and tenacity needed to bounce back, and as the tournament unfolds, they will be striving to reassert their places at the pinnacle of the sport.