2024 Olympics: Tiffany Hayes, Azerbaijan meet Team USA in 3x3

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After the first round of pool play games in the women’s 3×3 basketball competition at the Paris Olympics, some chaos already has ensued.

Team USA suffered a loss to Germany, Canada had a decisive win over Australia, and China survived against France in overtime. It’s not just the games that move at a frenetic pace in 3×3, so does the schedule. Every team will be back in action on Wednesday, starting with Germany versus Australia.

Is Germany the team to beat?

Germany’s Svenja Brunckhorst drives past the United States’ Rhyne Howard.

Team USA may be the gold medal defenders, but Germany may be the best 3×3 team at the Games, having defeated the Americans 17-13 on Tuesday. Another win on Wednesday would certainly help make that case and potentially push them to the top of the standings.

Australia will be looking for its first win in Paris and needs a result to advance out of pool play and into the tournament. The Aussies had a balanced attack, but struggled to score points, managing just 14 in their loss to Canada.

Battle of the unbeatens

China’s Chen Mingling skies over France’s Hortense Limouzin for the rebound.

Two undefeated teams will meet on Wednesday, with Canada facing China. Mingling Chen scored 10 points in China’s opening win, and they’ll need a similar showing to beat Canada.

The Canadians have some firepower of their own, with Katherine Plouffe scoring 10 points herself in their victory over Australia. This should be a tight contest and will begin creating separation in the standings, with the winner being in the driver’s seat for the top spot in the tournament.

Can France bounce back?

The host country lost its first 3×3 game. It will hope to get back in the win column on Wednesday by beating Spain. The Spaniards are always stacked with talent, and this squad is no exception.

They had all players scoring four or more points and have one of the most balanced teams in Paris. Still, France is at home and their loss to China came in overtime, so they have to feel good about their chances of evening up their record with a win on Wednesday.

Is Team USA in trouble?

The United States’ Dearica Hamby evades Germany’s Marie Reichert for the score.

Team USA was among the favorites to make noise in this competition, but after losing to Germany, they suddenly looked more like the hunted than the hunter.

There is little time to figure out their scoring woes on the fly against Azerbaijan on Wednesday. They’ll still be favored in this matchup, which will feature a familiar face on the other side in Tiffany Hayes. But, this is it. If the Americans lose this game, they likely can kiss the gold medal goodbye, so all the pressure will be on them to come out of this matchup victorious.