Jimmer Fredette and the U.S. men’s 3×3 basketball team continue to search for their first Olympic victory after a narrow 19-17 defeat to Poland on Wednesday.
The team is now 0-2 in pool play and faces potential challenges ahead due to an apparent injury to Fredette.
The former BYU basketball star sought medical attention midway through the game and was seen on the sideline receiving treatment for his left leg. Despite the setback, Fredette was able to return to the game, but he and his teammates couldn’t overcome Poland’s lead before the final buzzer.
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From the outset, the U.S. team struggled to keep pace with Poland. Poland’s fast start, bolstered by their size advantage—particularly with 7’1″ player Adrian Bogucki—put the U.S. at an early disadvantage. Poland quickly established a lead, going up by as many as 5 points in the initial stages of the game.
The U.S. managed to narrow the gap to just 2 points with around six minutes remaining on the clock. However, a combination of turnovers, errant shooting, and Fredette’s evident discomfort prevented the U.S. team from fully closing the gap. They got within 2 points again with less than a minute left, but Poland managed to maintain their lead and run out the clock.
Fredette finished the game with 3 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win. As the U.S. team looks ahead, they will need to address their early-game struggles and Fredette’s injury if they hope to turn their Olympic campaign around.
The road ahead may be tough, but with determination and improved performance, they still have a chance to make their mark in the tournament.
