All we learned from 3x3 at Paris Olympics

PARIS (France) - An unforgettable seven-day 3x3 competition ended fittingly with thrillers amid a frenzied atmosphere in surreal scenes at the Paris Olympics that will never be forgotten. 

Here is all we learned.  

Netherlands' chemistry comes to the fore

Netherlands' well balanced team worked wonders when it mattered most. They had two shot creators at the highest possible level - highlight machine Worthy de Jong and a pumped-up Dimeo van der Horst who furiously unleashed the air guitar. 

The Dutch Masters also had the outside threat of sniper Arvin Slagter, who heated up as the tournament wore on while big fella Jan Driessen was an aerial threat. 

When it mattered most in the final against France, with the Netherlands amid a cauldron with the French fans baying for blood, the Dutch backed their chemistry as the players trusted each other under the most extreme of pressures. 

It means that the Netherlands, one of the leading 3x3 countries for some time in both genders, basked in historic gold - the first team from their country to win a medal in a basketball discipline. 

 

Hype Worthy grabs the crown

An intriguing subplot heading into the Olympics was the intense fight to be crowned best men's player alive.

Strahinja Stojacic has held the belt for a long time after a couple of utterly dominant seasons, but Jimmer Fredette and Worthy de Jong were hot on his heels after strong starts to 2024. 

A groin injury in USA's second game cruelly cut short Fredette's campaign, while Stojacic's form unusually went up and down. His inconsistencies were a reason favorite Serbia shockingly did not even make the semis. 

De Jong took over although his starring role appeared in doubt when he struggled with an ankle injury early in the tournament that negated some of his explosiveness. 

But de Jong was fit and firing at the business end and just in time because his moment of truth came amid a cauldron of French fans in the final. France seemed destined to win, but de Jong wouldn't allow it as he tied the game in regulation with a layup before he became a legend in OT. 

De Jong was only going to win it one way - with a two-ball. He wanted the Wilson and he delivered with an epic contested fadeaway two that made him and his country Olympic champions. 

And in the process he became the best player alive. 

 

France (men's) ride tidal wave of support

France were an inch away from winning gold, but they will be proud of their efforts. They won the hearts of their passionate compatriots will a stirring campaign to continually light up La Concorde. 

After a couple of thrilling wins set the tone, France then stumbled and a four game losing streak put them on the brink. But France came of age and rode a tidal wave of support to almost go all the way. 

Unlike France women's team who buckled under the spotlight, the Frenchmen lifted to great heights by their loud fans in scenes that will never be forgotten. 

 

Germany cast doubts aside to create history

Few before the tournament had Germany finishing on the podium. There was an unknown over the Germans given their mixed record at major events, but they changed their perception forever with a dominant triumph. 

Germany were the best team for the entire tournament, losing just once to deservedly take home gold. 

Superstar Sonja Greinacher overcame a hand injury to put up big numbers and she hit the clutch shot to lift her country over Spain in an epic final.

But she had plenty of support  with veterans Marie Reichert and Svenja Brunckhorst hitting big buckets, while 20-year-old Elisa Mevius provided a spark with her infectious energy and high skill level. 

Germany created history by winning their first Olympic medal in any basketball discipline as these four humble stars became heroes in their country. 

 

Spain use guts and determination to win silver

Spain were so close to gold, but they were mighty proud to win silver. Like Germany, Spain weren't rated among the favorites but were fueled by trademark guts and determination to get on the podium. 

Legendary Sandra Ygueravide continued to inspire her nation, with sidekick Vega Gimeno a reliable scoring option as the smaller Spain used speed and shooting to overcome a slew of teams. 

Spain endured years of heartbreak capped by crushingly missing out on the Tokyo Olympics, but they never wavered from their dreams as they memorably showed in Paris. 

 

Hoops power USA had mixed fortunes

Every time USA plays hoops, they are expected to win no matter what sized court they step onto. But real ones know that 3x3 is unpredictable and there are no guarantees. 

The USA men always had an uphill task after the devastating groin injury to Fredette, but they can walk away with their heads held high after pulling out a couple of gritty wins largely thanks to a heater from Canyon Barry.

But it will always be a case of what could have been. 

Defending women's gold medalist USA settled for bronze, which was certainly no disgrace but came up short on expectations for a team boasting WNBA All-Stars Dearica Hamby and Rhyne Howard. 

But talent alone is not enough in 3x3, with chemistry and continuity vital. Having never played together before, the USA looked out of sync at stages which proved costly. 

They missed injured World Cup 2023 MVP Cameron Brink, but superstar Hailey Van Lith stepped up to  ensure USA did not go home empty-handed. 

 

Lithuania will never be underrated again

Lithuania has long been underrated - especially their underappreciated superstar Aurelijus Pukelis. 

But not anymore after Lithuania won bronze and enjoyed remarkable dubs against Serbia and Tokyo gold medalist Latvia, who were unbeaten in the pool phase. 

Lithuania relied on Aurelijus Pukelis, who cemented his status as a scoring machine, but Evaldas Dziaugys proved a terrific sidekick while Sarunas Vingelis stepped up against Latvia. 

Lithuania will never fly under the radar again. 

 

Serbia were majorly disappointing 

After being almost unbeatable since winning bronze in Tokyo, Serbia were understandably favorite to win gold. Everyone expected them to at least finish on the podium, but Serbia were left stunned after not progressing past the play-in. It was their worst performance at a major tournament in a decade. 

They were patchy throughout and could just never get it together. Their struggles were best exemplified by Strahinja Stojacic's erratic tournament with the superstar's form fluctuating wildly. 

It was a bitter end for Serbia, whose players were shell-shocked in the aftermath. Winning gold is the one prize that has eluded this 3x3 trendsetting nation and they'll have to wait another four years for redemption.

 

It was a very even competition

All 16 teams earned at least one win, with five men's and five women's teams having at least three wins in the pool phase. 

It highlights the sheer competitiveness of the tournament with powerhouse women's nation France brutally missing out on the play-in and so too Azerbaijan who impressed in their Olympic debut in any basketball discipline. 

3x3's talent is deeper and footprint deepening around the world. 

 

The atmosphere was simply incredible 

It was a long time coming. And it was certainly worth the wait! For the first time, there were crowds at a 3x3 Olympic competition after the fanless Tokyo Games made for a little bit of a hollow feeling. 

It was everything and more with thousands of fans packing the bleachers that rose high into the sky at the historic La Concorde. 

Each country had passionate fans hollering, but the terraces were fever pitch every time host nation France played. It was a magnificent atmosphere that showcased exactly why this is the best urban sport in the world. 

Those lucky enough to attend will never forget the goosebumps they experienced. 

 

FIBA