The United States women's 3x3 basketball team faced a setback in their title defense as they were defeated by Germany with a score of 13-17 in their opening game of pool play at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Tuesday. The US team, consisting of Cierra Burdick, Rhyne Howard, Hailey van Lith, and late addition Dearica Hamby, struggled to find their rhythm against a sharp-shooting German squad.

Despite initially taking a 5-0 lead, the US team faltered as Germany found success from the 2-point range. The Germans' accurate shooting, particularly from players like Svenja Brunckhorst and Elisa Mevius, propelled them to a lead over the defending champions. The US team, with a revamped lineup from Tokyo, found themselves facing strong defensive pressure and struggled to make an impact on the court.

In a closely contested match, the score was tied at 11-11 with just over three minutes remaining. However, Germany's proficiency from beyond the arc proved decisive as they secured a 17-13 victory over the US team. Despite the loss, Hailey van Lith emerged as a standout performer for the US, showcasing her skills with six points and three rebounds.

Following this defeat, the US women's 3x3 basketball squad will look to bounce back in their upcoming game against Azerbaijan scheduled for Wednesday evening. Despite the challenging start, the team aims to regroup and showcase their potential in the remainder of the competition.

The social media sphere responded to the US team's loss with a mix of sentiments. Many pointed out the team's missing defensive capabilities and expressed hope for a quick turnaround. Fans highlighted the resilience of the squad and emphasized the significance of adapting to the unique dynamics of 3x3 basketball.

As the Paris 2024 Olympics progress, the US women's 3x3 basketball team remains determined to overcome setbacks and demonstrate their competitive prowess on the global stage.

This is Chloe Merrell reporting for Paris 2024 Olympic Women's Basketball News.