Jimmer Fredette sidelined as U.S. 3×3 men’s basketball team’s losing streak extends

Lithuania’s Gintautas Matulis (6) shoots over Dylan Travis (15), of the United States, and Kareem Maddox (9) in the men’s 3×3 basketball pool round match during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Paris, France. Lithuania won 20-18. | Frank Franklin II

With Jimmer Fredette sidelined one day after suffering an apparent injury, the United States 3×3 men’s basketball team saw its losing streak extend to three games in a heartbreaking 20-18 loss to Lithuania at the Paris Olympics on Thursday.

Fredette, the former BYU All-American, did not play with what the USA Network broadcast team called a groin strain, forcing the Americans to not have anyone available to sub in throughout the 10-minute contest.

KSL’s Sam Farnsworth reported that Fredette is “game-to-game with a lower-body injury,” citing a statement from USA Basketball.

While the United States got out to an early 10-6 lead on back-to-back inside shots from Kareem Maddox, Lithuania rallied behind strong outside shooting as the Americans wore down.

Canyon Barry gave the United States some hope when his layup put the United States ahead 15-14 with 1:24 on the clock, but Lithuania responded with a 2-pointer from Gintautas Matulis just seven seconds later.

After Maddox missed an ill-advised 2-point attempt, Matulis hit another dagger 2 to push the lead to 18-15 with 59 seconds to play. Lithuania made 4 of 10 shots from 2-point range.

The Americans fought back despite trailing 20-15, and Dylan Travis made an off-balance, fading 2 to trim the Lithuania lead to 20-17 with 18.7 seconds left.

That was the United States’ only 2-pointer on the day, as they shot 1 of 13 from long range.

A technical was also called on Lithuania at the same time Travis hit the 3, and Barry made the free throw to make it a two-point game, giving the U.S. hope.

After a strong defensive possession ended up in a Lithuania miss, Barry had a shot to tie the game as the buzzer sounded, but his 2-point shot clanked off the front of the…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/jimmer-fredette-sidelined-u-3×3-175749165.html

Author : Deseret News

Publish date : 2024-08-01 17:57:49

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