On Tuesday, both the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams faced formidable opposition as they opened their campaigns at the 2024 Paris Olympics with losses.
The U.S. Women's 3x3 team, despite a promising start against Germany, ultimately fell short, losing 17-13. The team jumped to an early lead, up 5-0, but couldn't maintain their momentum. Germany clawed back into the game and secured a win, showcasing their resilience and tactical prowess. Reflecting on the match, Cierra Burdick remarked, "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly." Burdick, along with Hailey Van Lith, was part of the squad that clinched gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup and faced heightened expectations coming into the Olympics.
The U.S. lineup boasts a mix of talent from various leagues. Dearica Hamby, star for the Los Angeles Sparks, joined the team after Cameron Brink's torn ACL. Rhyne Howard, playing for the Atlanta Dream, and the versatile Hailey Van Lith, who is still in college, add depth to the squad. Overseas talent in the form of Cierra Burdick, who plays for Valencia in Spain, further compounds the team’s rich vein of talent. Despite the setback, the team remains optimistic given their legacy and past achievements, including the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. That 2020 roster included stalwarts like Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young, setting a high bar for this year's squad.
On the men's side, the U.S. team faced Serbia, the world's number one team in men’s 3x3 basketball. Serbia showcased their class, defeating the U.S. team 22-14. The U.S. men led for much of the first half, setting the pace early on, but Serbia’s composure and skill saw them pull ahead for the win. Serbia has consistently been a thorn in the side for the U.S., having beaten them 21-19 in the 2023 FIBA World Cup final and finishing with a bronze medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The U.S. men's 3x3 roster brought in experienced players to Paris, including Jimmer Fredette, who has six seasons of NBA experience. Alongside him are Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox. This team earned their Olympic spot by finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, showcasing their potential to challenge the best. Despite the opening loss, Fredette remains positive about their prospects: "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow."
Looking beyond 3x3, the legacy and expectations for American basketball at the Olympics are monumental. The U.S. women's 5x5 basketball team has not lost an Olympic game since 1992, aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal. The roster is packed with talent, featuring A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games. This remarkable streak and the star-studded lineup have set the stage for yet another historic run.
Similarly, the U.S. men's 5x5 basketball team is vying for their fifth consecutive gold medal. Their recent successes and depth of talent embody the strength and dominance of U.S. basketball on the global stage.
As the Paris Olympics continue, the U.S. 3x3 teams will be looking to bounce back from their opening-round losses, leveraging their experience and talent to navigate through the challenging tournament. The mixed results underscore the unpredictable nature of the competition, but also highlight the resolve and potential within both squads to turn their fortunes around.