On a crisp Tuesday in Paris, the United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams faced unexpected challenges, stumbling out of the gate in their opening matches of the 2024 Olympics. Each team, adorned with a storied history and high expectations, found themselves on the wrong side of the scoreboard.
Women's 3x3 Basketball: A Tale of Two Halves
The U.S. women's team, gold medalists at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, began their day with hopeful vigour. They quickly established a 5-0 lead against Germany, hinting at a dominant performance. However, Germany regrouped and mounted a steady comeback, eventually overtaking the Americans for a 17-13 victory.
Key players such as Dearica Hamby, who joined the team following Cameron Brink's ACL injury, and Cierra Burdick, who plays for Valencia in Spain, were unable to tip the balance back in the U.S.’s favour. The loss was a tough pill to swallow for a team that had recently clinched gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup. Cierra Burdick conveyed the team’s sentiment succinctly: "I didn't think it was going to be that ugly."
This defeat does not eclipse the illustrious careers of the team members. Hamby, known for her performances with the Los Angeles Sparks, and Rhyne Howard from the Atlanta Dream, represent a new dynamic roster mixed with established and rising stars. Hailey Van Lith, still balancing her collegiate basketball career, alongside Burdick, who contributed significantly to the previous World Cup triumphs, will need to rally the team back to their winning ways.
Men's 3x3 Basketball: Close But Not Enough
The men's 3x3 team, containing a blend of seasoned professionals like Jimmer Fredette and emerging talent such as Dylan Travis and Canyon Barry, started their match strong, leading Serbia for much of the first half. Known for his time in the NBA, Fredette strives to bring his expansive basketball experience to the relatively new Olympic sport. Despite their effort, the U.S. team fell short with a 22-14 defeat to Serbia, the reigning world No. 1 team and bronze medalists from Tokyo 2020.
While facing a team of Serbia’s calibre is never an easy task, the Americans can take solace in their competitive first-half performance. "It's a long tournament for us, and we're excited to get back at it tomorrow," Fredette said optimistically, emphasizing the need to maintain focus and resilience as the tournament progresses.
The squad, which also includes Kareem Maddox, managed to secure their spot in the Paris Olympics by finishing second at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where they narrowly lost to Serbia in a closely contested final, 21-19. This history of near-misses against top teams suggests that although the start was rocky, they have the potential to compete at the highest level.
Women's 5x5 Basketball: Dominance and Legacy
In stark contrast to their 3x3 counterparts, the U.S. women's 5x5 basketball team has maintained an unbroken streak of excellence. Remarkably, they have not lost an Olympic game since 1992 and are on a mission for their eighth consecutive gold medal. The current roster is a tapestry of extraordinary talent, featuring A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the illustrious Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympic Games. This trio not only brings skill and experience but also embodies the enduring legacy of U.S. women's basketball dominance.
Men's 5x5 Basketball: Chasing Glory
The U.S. men's 5x5 basketball team has similarly high hopes as they seek their fifth straight gold medal. As they prepare for the intense competition ahead, they carry the weight of a nation’s expectations, determined to uphold their legacy of success on the global stage.
Both the men's and women's 3x3 teams will need to harness their determination and resilience in the face of their initial defeats. As they regroup and strategize, the journey ahead in the 2024 Paris Olympics continues, filled with opportunities to redefine their narratives and strive for Olympic glory. With seasoned players and promising talents, the U.S. teams remain a formidable force in the basketball arena.