The United States men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams are off to a rocky start at the 2024 Paris Olympics, failing to secure a win in their first five combined games. The performance has been particularly troubling for the women's squad, which has faced a streak of defeats against formidable competition.
Struggles for the Women's 3x3 Team
The women's 3x3 team has endured losses against Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia, landing them at the bottom of the standings. Tuesday's match saw a 17-13 defeat by Germany, a game Cierra Burdick described succinctly: “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly.” The following day, the women narrowly lost to Azerbaijan, 20-17, and the trend continued on Thursday with a 17-15 loss to Australia.
Comprising accomplished players such as Dearica Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks, Rhyne Howard of the Atlanta Dream, and Hailey Van Lith, still in college, the team had entered the Olympics with high expectations. Nevertheless, their performance has been underwhelming. Cierra Burdick, now playing for Valencia in Spain, brings experience from the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup, where she and Van Lith helped secure gold. Yet, their current plight at the Olympics demonstrates the unpredictable nature of sports.
Dearica Hamby and Rhyne Howard, prominent WNBA players, are striving to find their rhythm in 3x3 format. Notably, Cameron Brink, a promising rookie for the Los Angeles Sparks, is notably absent due to a torn ACL, a significant loss for the team.
Men's 3x3 Team Faces Its Own Challenges
The men's 3x3 team, making its inaugural appearance at the Olympics, has also met with defeat in its first two games. They lost narrowly to Poland, 19-17, and faced a more decisive setback against Serbia, with a 22-14 scoreline. Despite being runners-up to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, the U.S. men have struggled to translate their past success to the Olympic stage.
Jimmer Fredette, a seasoned athlete with six NBA seasons under his belt, remains optimistic despite the early struggles: “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow,” he stated after Tuesday's game. The men's team, featuring Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, had undergone rigorous preparations, including a training camp in February, but the competition has proven fierce.
The 3x3 Basketball Format
The 3x3 basketball format is distinct from the traditional game with its half-court setting and accelerated 10-minute matches. Scoring is simplified, with baskets counting for one or two points, and the game demands a unique tactical approach compared to the standard 5x5 format. Players earn their places through diligent participation in sanctioned 3x3 events throughout the year, ensuring only the most committed and skilled athletes represent their countries.
With each team slated for seven games in the pool round, there's still a glimmer of hope for both U.S. squads to turn their fortunes around. The women's team, in particular, has the legacy of a gold medal victory from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to inspire them. Meanwhile, the men's team looks to make their mark in this new Olympic venture.
5x5 Teams Continue to Excel
In sharp contrast to their 3x3 counterparts, the USA women's 5x5 basketball team has a storied history of Olympic success. They boast an undefeated record since 1992 and are vying for their eighth consecutive gold medal. Stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the legendary Diana Taurasi—competing in her sixth Olympic Games—are key players in maintaining this stellar record.
As the competition progresses, the performance of the 3x3 teams will be closely watched, not only for their immediate outcomes but also for what it signifies about the evolving state of basketball on the global stage. The U.S. teams, despite their early setbacks, possess the talent and tenacity to make a significant push in the remaining games of the tournament.