As the 2024 Paris Olympics progresses, the United States’ 3x3 basketball teams are facing a rocky start. In a shocking turn of events, both the men’s and women’s teams have yet to secure a win in their first five combined games, raising concerns about their performance in this fast-paced, half-court format.
Women's 3x3 Team Struggles
The women's 3x3 team, which includes notable players Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard, Hailey Van Lith, and Cierra Burdick, has struggled to find their footing. They have suffered losses to Azerbaijan, Germany, and Australia, leaving them at the bottom of the standings.
The defeats have been close but decisive. On Tuesday, the women fell to Germany with a score of 17-13. Wednesday brought another setback, with a 20-17 loss to Azerbaijan. The trend continued Thursday, as they narrowly lost to Australia, 17-15.
Cierra Burdick, a key player now plying her trade in Spain for Valencia, expressed her frustration after the game against Germany. “I didn’t think it was going to be that ugly,” she said, highlighting the team’s disappointment in their performance so far.
Despite the rough start, the women’s team benefits from seasoned players like Hamby of the Los Angeles Sparks and Howard of the Atlanta Dream. Moreover, Burdick and Van Lith, who is still in college, were instrumental in securing gold at the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup. Their historical success provides a glimmer of hope for a turnaround as they continue through the tournament.
Men's 3x3 Team Faces Tough Opposition
The men's 3x3 team, featuring Jimmer Fredette, Dylan Travis, Canyon Barry, and Kareem Maddox, is also experiencing growing pains in their Olympic debut. Their first match ended in a narrow 19-17 defeat to Poland, followed by a decisive 22-14 loss to Serbia.
This team, which finished second to Serbia at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, had high expectations coming into the Games. Jimmer Fredette, a veteran with six NBA seasons under his belt, reflected a hopeful outlook, despite the early setbacks. “It’s a long tournament for us, and we’re excited to get back at it tomorrow,” Fredette remarked after Tuesday's game.
Interestingly, the men’s team underwent a rigorous training camp in February, but the intensity of the Olympic competition seems to have posed challenges that the camp could not fully prepare them for.
Format and Game Dynamics
3x3 basketball, a relatively new addition to the Olympic program, requires teams to adapt quickly. The game, played on a half-court with a 10-minute time limit, necessitates speed and precision. Scoring is also unique, with baskets counting for one or two points.
Players earned spots on their respective teams by participating in sanctioned 3x3 events throughout the year, underlining the importance of consistent performance and game knowledge. The USA women's 3x3 team displayed such prowess by winning gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, adding to the legacy of USA Basketball.
However, the current Olympics reveal contrasting fortunes for the USA’s traditional 5x5 teams. The USA women's 5x5 team remains a dominant force, boasting an undefeated Olympic record since 1992 and aiming for their eighth consecutive gold medal. Stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and the veteran Diana Taurasi, who is competing in her sixth Olympics, continue to carry the torch for USA Basketball.
Optimism Amidst Challenges
Given the structure of the tournament, with each 3x3 team scheduled to play seven games in the pool round, there is still room for both U.S. teams to claw their way back. The women's and men's teams must find cohesion and draw on their experience in critical moments if they hope to advance beyond the early rounds.
As the remaining games approach, the focus will be on whether the U.S. teams can harness their potential and turn around their Olympic campaigns. Each player’s resilience and commitment will be crucial as they strive to defy the odds and bring home success in this intense, high-stakes format.