On Tuesday, the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams experienced disappointing starts to their campaigns at the 2024 Paris Olympics, both suffering defeats in their opening games. The women's team was narrowly edged out by Germany with a score of 17-13, while the men's team fell 22-14 to Serbia.
Women's Team Falters After Early Lead
The U.S. women's 3x3 team's match against Germany began on a promising note as they surged to an early 5-0 lead. However, this momentum proved fleeting. Despite the promising start, Germany efficiently clawed back to secure the victory. The defeat was a sobering reminder of the competition's intensity.
Dearica Hamby, who stars for the Los Angeles Sparks, joined the team following Cameron Brink's torn ACL. She fought valiantly alongside her teammates, which include Atlanta Dream's Rhyne Howard, college basketball player Hailey Van Lith, and Cierra Burdick, who plays for Valencia in Spain. Hamby’s teammates, Burdick and Van Lith, were part of the team that clinched gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup.
Reflecting on the game, Cierra Burdick candidly admitted, "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly." Yet, with the resilience synonymous with champion athletes, the team looks ahead with determination.
The U.S. women's 3x3 team, renowned for their prowess, originally set high expectations due to their success at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where they secured gold. That squad featured notable players like Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young. Their rich history includes an unwavering performance streak, and despite their recent setback, the legacy of excellence continues to inspire them.
Men's Team Faces World's Best
Turning to the men's 3x3 team, they squared off against Serbia, the world's top-ranked team in men's 3x3 basketball. Although the U.S. men led for much of the first half, Serbia, demonstrating why they hold the number one spot, ultimately took control, winning convincingly.
The U.S. roster, comprising Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, fought tenaciously. Fredette, who previously played six seasons in the NBA, brings a wealth of experience and skill to the team. Their qualification for the Paris Olympics came after finishing second at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, an achievement that reinforced their status as strong contenders.
Post-game, Fredette remained optimistic about the journey ahead, stating, "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow." This sentiment captures the spirit of the team, emphasizing their resolve and forward-looking mindset despite the setback.
A Broader Context of U.S. Basketball Excellence
While the U.S. faced challenges in the 3x3 format, their historical dominance in 5x5 basketball remains unchallenged. The U.S. women's 5x5 basketball team is a powerhouse, having not lost an Olympic game since 1992 and aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal. This extraordinary team features talents such as A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games.
On the men's side, the U.S. 5x5 basketball team is pursuing their fifth consecutive gold medal, reflecting the deep-seated tradition of excellence in U.S. basketball across formats.
These initial 3x3 results, while disappointing, are merely the opening chapter of what promises to be a gripping Olympic narrative. The U.S. teams, imbued with talent, history, and a determination forged through past triumphs and current challenges, are poised to correct course and strive for the pinnacle of Olympic glory.