On Tuesday, the United States' men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams encountered early setbacks in their opening games at the 2024 Paris Olympics, suffering defeats that have cast a cloud over their campaigns.
Early Momentum Fades for U.S. Women
The U.S. women, initially displaying a strong performance, led 5-0 against Germany. However, their early momentum faded, and they ultimately lost 17-13. This loss came despite the presence of formidable players such as Dearica Hamby, who recently joined the team following Cameron Brink's unfortunate ACL injury. Hamby, known for her prowess with the Los Angeles Sparks, was expected to bolster the team alongside Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream and Hailey Van Lith, a rising college basketball star. Cierra Burdick, representing Valencia in Spain, and Van Lith had previously played pivotal roles in securing gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, adding to the team's high hopes.
Despite their initial stronghold, the U.S. women couldn't maintain their lead. Reflecting on the game, Cierra Burdick said, "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly," summarizing a sentiment of unanticipated disappointment felt by many fans and players alike. Germany's rally not only marked a significant victory for them but also a stark reminder of the competitive nature of the tournament.
Serbia’s Dominance Over U.S. Men
The U.S. men's 3x3 team also faced a tough challenge, succumbing to Serbia with a final score of 22-14. Serbia, holding the title of the world's No. 1 team in men’s 3x3 basketball, proved their prowess once again. The Serbian team, which had clinched a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and defeated the U.S. with a narrow 21-19 scoreline in the 2023 FIBA World Cup final, showed their dominance from the start, although the U.S. led for much of the first half.
The U.S. squad, featuring former NBA player Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, had secured their Olympic berth by finishing second at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Despite the setback, Fredette echoed a hopeful outlook, stating, "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow."
Legacy and Expectations
The U.S. women's 3x3 team has a history of excellence, having won the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a team comprising Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young. The recent loss to Germany will serve as a wake-up call as they aim to replicate their past success.
Meanwhile, the U.S. men's 5x5 basketball team is seeking their fifth consecutive gold medal, driven by a legacy of consistent excellence. Serbia's victory highlights the competitive landscape and sets the stage for thrilling encounters ahead.
U.S. Women's 5x5 Team's Unstoppable Streak
On a parallel note, the U.S. women's 5x5 basketball team continues its unparalleled dominance, having not lost an Olympic game since 1992. The team is aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal in Paris, with a roster that includes stalwarts like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi. Taurasi’s participation in her sixth Olympic Games underscores the depth of experience and talent the team possesses.
While the opening games in the 3x3 competitions have introduced early hurdles for both U.S. teams, the tournament's length offers ample opportunities for redemption and success. As they recalibrate and prepare for their next matchups, the determination to uphold their nation's basketball legacy remains unwavering.