USA 3x3 team beats Spain 17-11 in Paris Olympics as Hailey Van Lith shines with LeBron James watching

Hailey Van Lith and the USA women's 3x3 basketball team finally got their first win of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on Thursday. The team secured a 17-11 victory over Spain after losing their first three games in the pool stage, placing them on the brink of elimination.

Team USA won gold in the event three years ago in Tokyo and it's been a surprise to see the underwhelming performance from the team. Nonetheless, the win against Spain improves their record to 1-3 and while still at the bottom of the standing, it offers a redemption chance.

“It was a great game for our team. All it takes is one win sometimes to get going,” Hailey Van Lith said. “So hopefully that was the igniter to our fire.”

NBA Superstar LeBron James, also participating in the Olympic Games and aiming for the gold, was on the courtside to support his compatriot on Thursday. He was joined by Team USA swimmer Katie Ledecky, who has won a whopping 13 Olympic medals over the years.

“That is awesome,” Van Lith said about the stars’ support. “They ask us how our team is doing. They talk to us. They care how we are doing. They have given us a little (advice) about handling the pressure. They have shared some good advice about wearing the USA on your chest.”

Hailey Van Lith seems to have fully recovered from her sickness

Hailey Van Lith made it known after the shocking loss to Germany in the team's opening game that she was sick while she participated in the game. She believed she had a cold, which affected her performance in the opening game but she's not making excuses for the loss.

“I think I actually have a cold,” Van Lith said, according to the Associated Press. “I think it was from the rain in the opening ceremony. So, I think it’s a combination of that, but I’ll be fine. I played through it in the NCAA Tournament, so there’s nothing that’s going to take me out.”

With her performance against Spain on Thursday, it appears she's fully recovered and ready to light up the event in Paris. She scored five points in the game against Spain, tying with Rhyne Howard to secure the team's much-needed victory.

Team USA remains committed to defending their gold in the event and will continue to work to get better following their first win.