Paris Olympics 3x3: 5 Things to Know Before Day Three
It's been a dramatic opening two days of the 3x3 competition at the Paris Olympics. But we're just getting warmed up because there is a 3x3 feast on day three with a monster slate of 16 games to be played - every team will play two games each.
France Women's Team Needs to Find Resolve
While France's men have pulled out two dramatic wins, the highly-rated women's side have succumbed in consecutive games under pressure.
Their crowd support has been feverish, but it might just be proving a double edge sword for France. Their opponents have loved silencing the crowd and spoiling the party as rival Spain did ruthlessly on day two.
France have the tricky task of regrouping on day three against dangerous Azerbaijan, who are playing without fear, and in-form Canada.
It has not been the start they wanted, but a backs against the wall approach might serve them well. France have had a lot of success over the years, finding a way to win against adversity, and they're going to need to tap into that resolve on day three.
Canada Can Make Giant Step Towards Semis
Who has delivered the two most impressive performances in the women's draw? It just has to be Canada, who laid the smackdown on Australia and China - teams who have combined to win the last four Asia Cups.
Canada's offense has been flowing with the towering Plouffe sisters combining for 26 points across the two games. They've been dominating the paint as usual, but it just hasn't been the twins dominating.
Sharpshooter Paige Crozon let it fly against China, hitting a trio of twos to finish with an equal game high 7 points. Canada's length has completely rattled opponents, who just can't find space and easy buckets.
Canada entered as one of the gold medal favorites and are so far living up to the hype. Victories over Germany and Azerbaijan on day three can almost lock up a semi-final berth for Canada.
Watch Out for a Vengeful 'Doctor Strange'
A day is a long time in 3x3. Just ask Strahinja Stojacic, who left day one feeling mightily pleased after he helped crush rival USA.
He capped his brilliant performance with a memorable celebration, but Stojacic came crashing back to earth after a flat performance in Serbia's shock loss to China.
Stojacic was just 1 of 7 from the half-court and finished with only 1 point as he had to endure a devastating performance from Chinese superstar Ning Zhang. It was a rare off game for 'Dr Strange' and you just know he will be seething after that.
Expect Stojacic to bounce back on day three as Serbia face tough tests against the Netherlands and France. Serbia have been left slightly rattled by the defeat and also an injury to Mihailo Vasic, who suffered a broken nose against USA.
Australia Aim to Continue Resurgence
The Gangurrus were stunned in their opener by Canada, a game they shockingly trailed 15-2 at one point.
It wasn't quite must win, but Australia needed to regroup quickly on day two against a confident German team basking in their big upset over defending champion USA.
Whittle's Passionate Pep Talk
Marena Whittle, Australia's spiritual leader, did her best to amp her teammates up with a passionate pep talk as they huddled before the game.
Whittle led by example as she hit the first shot of the game to ensure Australia wouldn't start cold for the second straight time. Australia's desperation was underlined by a domination on the boards against the tall Germans and they attacked the basket with intent.
But they could not break ahead and the scores were deadlocked at 19 before Alex Wilson, who had played with heart all game, hit the buzzer beater two-pointer to trigger screams of jubilation from the Aussies.
They are back in business ahead of a daunting day three, where they play USA and rival China in blockbuster games with a lot at stake.
Lithuania Need to Lift
Apart from USA, the only other winless men's team is Lithuania, who did produce a much better showing on day two only to fall in dramatic fashion to host France.
It's the type of heart-breaking defeat that can break a team, but the Lithuanians will rely on their experience to get them through this tough start.
But they need to register wins quickly and Lithuania will firstly on day three face Poland, who are fresh off an upset over the USA. Then they meet USA in what is now looming as a crucial contest given the poor starts from both teams.
Lithuania will need more support for star Aurelijus Pukelis, who has shouldered the load with 15 points across two games but he needs more help if his team is going to get back on track.
The stage is set for day three of the 3x3 basketball competition at the Paris Olympics, with high-stakes games and potential upsets on the horizon. Will France find their winning touch again? Can Canada continue their dominance? Will 'Doctor Strange' bounce back? And can Australia maintain their resurgence? Stay tuned to find out!
