On the first day of the 2024 Paris Olympics, the United States 3x3 basketball teams faced adversity in their opening matches. Both the men's and women's squads suffered losses that added early drama to their Olympic campaigns.
Women's Team Faces a Tough Challenge
The U.S. women’s 3x3 basketball team, boasting talents like Dearica Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks and Rhyne Howard from the Atlanta Dream, went up against Germany in what turned out to be a tightly contested game. Initially, the U.S. team surged ahead with a surprising 5-0 lead, suggesting they were on the path to victory. However, Germany quickly regrouped and ultimately won the match 17-13.
Dearica Hamby's addition to the team had been a crucial move following the unfortunate injury to Cameron Brink, who tore her ACL. Alongside Hamby, Hailey Van Lith, a college basketball standout, and Cierra Burdick, playing professionally for Valencia in Spain, were integral to the squad. Burdick and Van Lith had been key players in the U.S. team that clinched the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup gold.
Reflecting on the game, Burdick noted, "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly."
Men's Team Falters Against Top-Ranked Serbia
The U.S. men's 3x3 basketball team also faced a difficult start, matched against Serbia, the reigning world No. 1 team. Featuring players like Jimmer Fredette, who brought his NBA experience to the Olympic court, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, the U.S. team had high expectations. They had qualified for the Olympics by finishing second in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where they were narrowly defeated by Serbia 21-19 in the final.
During the game, the U.S. men led for a significant portion of the first half but eventually succumbed to Serbia’s prowess, resulting in a 22-14 defeat. Despite the loss, Fredette remained optimistic, stating, "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow."
Historical Context and Aspirations
The U.S. women's 3x3 team entered the Paris Olympics with a historic edge, having won the gold medal in the event’s debut at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The Tokyo roster, which included Stefanie Dolson, Alisha Gray, Kelsea Plum, and Jackie Young, set a high bar for the current team to match.
Meanwhile, the U.S. men’s team was vying for redemption after finishing with a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Their current lineup, constructed to blend youthful energy with seasoned experience, faces high expectations.
5x5 Teams Eyeing Continued Dominance
While the 3x3 teams faced early setbacks, the broader U.S. basketball program remains a powerhouse. The U.S. women’s 5x5 basketball team hasn't lost an Olympic game since 1992, and they are aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal in Paris. With a roster comprising stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and veteran Diana Taurasi—competing in her sixth Olympic Games—the team is a formidable presence.
The U.S. men’s 5x5 team also carries a legacy of excellence, aiming for their fifth consecutive gold medal. The depth of talent in both programs underscores the United States' longstanding dominance in Olympic basketball.
As the tournament progresses, both 3x3 teams will have opportunities to rebound from their opening losses. Their journeys in Paris will be closely watched, as they seek to fulfill their potential and add to the United States' storied history in basketball.