The United States men’s and women’s 3x3 basketball teams have faced a rocky start at the 2024 Paris Olympics, struggling to clinch their first win after five combined games. With both teams underperforming, the pressure mounts as they navigate their remaining matches in the pool round.
Disappointing Start for Women's Team
The women's 3x3 team, featuring notable players Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, Hailey Van Lith, and Cierra Burdick, has been particularly underwhelming. Despite consisting of accomplished athletes, including Burdick, who now plays for Valencia in Spain, and Hamby, a player for the Los Angeles Sparks, the team has suffered losses to Germany, Australia, and Azerbaijan.
The latest defeat came on Thursday when they narrowly lost to Australia 17-15. This followed previous losses, including a 20-17 setback against Azerbaijan on Wednesday and a 17-13 defeat by Germany on Tuesday. The series of losses places the women’s team at the bottom of the standings, a stark contrast to their gold medal performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Cierra Burdick expressed her surprise at the team’s performance, saying, “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly.” As a key player who, alongside Hailey Van Lith, helped secure gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, Burdick's candid reflection speaks volumes about the unexpected difficulties the team is encountering.
Men's Team Struggles in Inaugural Games
The men's 3x3 team has also grappled with their Olympic debut, falling short in their first two games. The roster includes seasoned players like Jimmer Fredette, who has six NBA seasons under his belt, alongside Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox. Despite their solid preparation, including a training camp held in February, the team has struggled to find its footing on the Olympic stage.
The men’s team faced a tough 19-17 loss against Poland and a more decisive 22-14 defeat by Serbia, the team they had previously finished second to at the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Their performance leaves them in a challenging position as they aim to turn their fortunes around in the upcoming matches.
Post-game, Fredette remained optimistic about their chances. “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow,” he said, highlighting the team’s determination to reset and push forward.
Game Format and Key Performers
3x3 basketball is an intense, fast-paced game played on half a court with each match lasting just 10 minutes. Scoring is simpler than traditional basketball, with baskets counting for one or two points. Selection for the national team aligns closely with participation in sanctioned 3x3 events throughout the year, adding layers of preparation and qualification for the Olympic squad members.
The pressure to perform is especially acute given the success of the USA women's 5x5 team, which has maintained an undefeated Olympic record since 1992 and is striving for its eighth consecutive gold medal at these games. The roster features prominent figures like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi, who is making her sixth Olympic appearance.
While the traditional 5x5 team continues to set high standards, the 3x3 teams are navigating their own tumultuous journey in Paris. Every game in the seven-match pool round offers an opportunity for redemption and a chance to mirror the historical prowess of their 5x5 counterparts.
Conclusion
As the tournament unfolds, both the men’s and women’s 3x3 teams will need to leverage their experience, cohesion, and resilience. With the specter of early losses looming, the next matches will be pivotal in defining their Olympic narratives. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely, eager to see how these athletes respond to the high-stakes challenges of Olympic competition. The resolve of these teams will be put to the test as they strive to change the trajectory of their 2024 Olympic campaigns.