The opening stages of the 2024 Paris Olympics have been a challenging period for the United States in the 3x3 basketball competition. The men's and women's teams, both highly anticipated contestants, have fallen short of expectations, accumulating five consecutive losses in their initial matchups.
Women's Struggles
The U.S. women's 3x3 basketball team faced formidable opponents and met with repeated setbacks. Their journey began with a 17-13 loss to Germany on Tuesday, followed by a hard-fought 20-17 defeat against Azerbaijan on Wednesday. Their most recent game saw them narrowly miss a victory against Australia, finishing with a 17-15 loss on Thursday.
Key player Cierra Burdick, who currently plays in Spain for Valencia, has struggled along with her teammates. Burdick, alongside Hailey Van Lith, was part of the squad that claimed gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, adding to the team's high hopes coming into the Olympics. However, the bitter string of defeats has placed the women's team at the bottom of the standings. Reflecting on their match against Germany, Burdick remarked, “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly.” Her sentiment underscores the disappointment felt by the team and their supporters.
With the inclusion of prominent players like Dearica Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks and Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream, coupled with the young yet talented Hailey Van Lith still in college, expectations were naturally high. Yet, their synergy has not translated to victories in Paris so far. Hamby's Los Angeles Sparks teammate Cameron Brink is notably absent due to a torn ACL, which might have added to the team's woes.
Men's First Appearance
The story is similar for the men's 3x3 team. Making their debut in the Olympic Games, the men's squad also faced setbacks. They opened their campaign with a 19-17 loss to Poland and were later defeated 22-14 by Serbia. Despite high hopes following their second-place finish to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, the team has found the Olympic competition a tough challenge.
The men's roster includes former NBA player Jimmer Fredette, whose pro experience spans six seasons. He, along with Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, was expected to bring home strong results. However, the team has yet to find their footing in the rapid-fire format that defines 3x3 basketball—10-minute games played on half-courts with scoring that counts baskets for one or two points.
After Tuesday's game, Fredette maintained an optimistic outlook, stating, “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow.” This attitude underscores the inherent unpredictability and the dynamic nature of the tournament, where each game presents an opportunity to turn the tide.
Historical Context
The disappointing start is particularly jarring for the women's team, considering their triumphant history. They clinched the gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and have a legacy to uphold. In contrast, the U.S. women's 5x5 basketball team remains a powerhouse, holding an undefeated Olympic record since 1992 and aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal in Paris. Players like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi, now in her sixth Olympics, form the backbone of this year's 5x5 squad.
Looking Forward
Both 3x3 teams have seven games scheduled in the pool round, which leaves room for recovery and redemption. To progress, they will need to harness their collective strength, experience, and the lessons learnt from initial losses. Individually, players like Burdick and Fredette bring a wealth of experience and previous successes to the fore, which might yet transform their campaign.
In the cutthroat format of 3x3 basketball, adaptability and resilience are as crucial as skill. As the tournament progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching keenly to see if Team USA can rally and deliver the performances that reflect their potential and storied history in world basketball.