On a challenging Tuesday for Team USA, both the men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams encountered setbacks in their opening games of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite a strong start, the women's team faced a 17-13 defeat against Germany, while the men's team succumbed to a 22-14 loss at the hands of Serbia.
Women's Team Faces Narrow Loss
The U.S. women's team initially surged ahead with a promising 5-0 lead against Germany. However, the Germans managed a remarkable comeback to secure a 17-13 victory. This match-up marked a crucial opening challenge for Team USA, with Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, Hailey Van Lith, and Cierra Burdick taking to the court. Hamby, a standout for the Los Angeles Sparks, joined the team as a replacement for Cameron Brink who suffered a torn ACL.
Cierra Burdick, who plays professionally for Valencia in Spain, paired up with Hailey Van Lith to help lead the team to gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup. Burdick expressed her disappointment after the loss. "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly," she remarked, signaling a determination to rebound quickly. Van Lith is still making her mark in college basketball, showcasing a blend of youth and experience that seemed promising initially.
High Hopes Turn to Hard Lessons
Having clinched the gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the U.S. women's 3x3 team entered the 2024 games with high expectations. The Tokyo roster boasted athletes like Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young. Although this year's team composition was different, the legacy of excellence loomed large.
On the men's side, Serbia, the world's No. 1 ranked 3x3 team, demonstrated why they hold the top spot. Facing a resilient U.S. team featuring Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, the Serbians maintained composure to secure a 22-14 victory. Notably, Serbia had finished with a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and had previously edged out the U.S. in a closely contested final at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, with a score of 21-19.
Men's Team Offers Glimpses of Promise
Despite the defeat, the U.S. men's team showed promise in the initial stages. "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow," said Jimmer Fredette, who played six seasons in the NBA before transitioning to the 3x3 format. The team's qualification for Paris stemmed from their strong second-place finish at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, hinting at their potential to make a significant impact as the tournament progresses.
The loss to Serbia was particularly stinging given the team's early lead for much of the first half. The transition from traditional basketball to the 3x3 format requires swift mental and physical adjustments, something that players are still refining as they adapt to the unique demands of this fast-paced game.
A Broader Legacy to Uphold
While the focus has been on the 3x3 squads, the broader context of U.S. basketball at the Olympics provides a storied backdrop. The U.S. women's 5x5 team has not lost an Olympic game since 1992, a remarkable streak that sees them gunning for their eighth consecutive gold medal this year. Stars such as A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Olympic veteran Diana Taurasi, who is in her sixth Games, are integral to this campaign.
Likewise, the U.S. men's 5x5 basketball team is in pursuit of their fifth straight gold medal, a testament to the depth and talent rooted in American basketball culture. The combination of historic success in 5x5 and burgeoning potential in 3x3 sets the stage for an exciting Olympic journey.
As both teams look to bounce back from their opening-day losses, the spirit of competition and resilience continues to fuel their quest for glory on the global stage. Each game not only tests their skills but also builds the narrative of perseverance and excellence that defines U.S. basketball.