Playing in an Olympic men’s basketball 3×3 game for the first time in its history, Team USA lost to Serbia 22-14 to open pool play Tuesday in Paris.
Marko Branikovic scored a game-high eight points for Serbia, while Stranhinja Stokacic added seven. Kareem Maddox scored six points for Team USA and 2011 Naismith College Player of the Year and NBA player Jimmer Fredette scored four points.
After the Americans took an 8-5 lead in the opening minutes, Serbia ended the game on a 17-8 run to open pool play with a statement win over one of the favorites in the competition.
Sebia was a perfect 12 for 12 on 1-point field goals — shots taken inside the arc.
Team USA is competing in the men’s basketball 3×3 competition at the 2024 Olympics for the first time after failing to qualify for the event at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. The 2024 games mark the second Olympics 3×3 basketball is recognized as an official event.
The U.S. (0-1) will be back on the court against Poland (1-0) on Wednesday at 4:35 p.m. ET.
3×3 basketball rules explained
This event has a different set of rules than the traditional five-on-five format basketball fans are accustomed to. This style of basketball is played in a half-court setting with a 12-second shot clock. Field goals are worth one point or two points if the shot is from behind the arc, and there is not an inbounds pass after a made basket.
The game starts with a coin toss, and the winner gets to choose whether to begin the game on offense or defense.
Possession switches between teams after every made basket — no matter if the shot is made or missed. Once a player takes control of the ball inside the arc, they have to dribble it out or pass it to another player outside of the arc before they can attempt a shot.
The team that reaches 21 points first or scores the most points after a single 10-minute period wins. If the game is tied after…
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