In a surprising turn of events, Team USA's basketball teams, both the women's and men's, have encountered early setbacks in the 3x3 format at the Paris Olympics 2024. Known for their dominance in the traditional 5x5 game, the US teams have experienced a series of defeats, leaving fans and experts puzzled.

The women's team, aiming to defend their gold medal from the Tokyo Olympics, suffered losses in their first three games. Their opening match against Germany was followed by defeats to Azerbaijan and Australia. The men's team, comprising players making their Olympic debut, also stumbled with losses to Serbia and Poland.

In spite of the disappointing results, the players remain optimistic. Canyon Barry, a member of the men's team, acknowledged that though they played well, their shots simply didn't fall. He emphasized the team's determination to keep fighting and acknowledged the challenging nature of the tournament.

It is important to note the difference in team composition between the 3x3 and 5x5 teams. The 3x3 team does not feature the NBA's biggest names as the 5x5 team often does. Only Jimmer Fredette, with NBA experience, is part of the 3x3 roster, while the women's team boasts players with significant WNBA experience and accolades.

Rhyne Howard, Dearica Hamby, Cierra Burdick, and Hailey Van Lith bring their skills to the women's team, despite not being part of the gold-winning squad from three years ago. The women's team recognizes the need to improve and maintain a higher standard of play while emphasizing the importance of teamwork.

The 3x3 format, with its resemblance to "pickup" basketball, presents a fast-paced game played on half of a basketball court. Matches last a maximum of 10 minutes, with the possibility of a team winning before the time limit by reaching 21 points. Shots from inside the three-point line count for one point, while shots beyond the arc count for two.

One of the challenges facing Team USA is the restrictive eligibility rules set by FIBA. To participate in Olympic competition, rosters must include players ranked within the top 10 or top 50 of their country, or have the minimum number of ranking points. This limits the pool of athletes available, especially considering the popularity of 5x5 basketball in the US.

Despite their current struggles, both teams have a chance to redeem themselves in the round-robin preliminary pool phase. Each team will face the other seven nations once, with the top two placing teams automatically advancing to the semifinals. Teams ranked third to sixth will compete in play-in games for the remaining spots, while the seventh and eighth-ranked teams will be eliminated.

Team USA's basketball teams may be rooted to the bottom of their respective pools, but there is still hope for a turnaround. With a combination of resilience, adjustments, and a renewed sense of focus, the US teams will aim to regain their dominant form and challenge for a podium finish in the 3x3 format at the Paris Olympics 2024.