"They would've had gold with Caitlin Clark" - WNBA fans chime in on Team USA 3x3 women's Olympic bronze finish

WNBA fans chimed in on Team USA's bronze finish in the 3x3 women's basketball tournament in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The United States fell short of their expectations but still had a podium finish for the second straight Olympics. They won the gold medal in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

Hailey Van Lith had a great game in the semifinals against Spain, but Team USA fell short 18-16 in overtime. Fouls were the difference-maker in that game as the United States couldn't seem to defend better without making illegal contact. Spain won the game in the free throw line.

On the other hand, the quartet of Van Lith, Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard and Cierra Burdick did enough to beat Canada 16-13 in the bronze medal game. It was a disappointing finish given that they were the favorites to win the tournament. They did bounce back after losing their first three games and still ended up with a podium finish.

Fans couldn't believe that Team USA was only able to pull a bronze medal considering they have the best talents in basketball for men and women. Some even thought that putting Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese on the 3x3 team would have won them gold.

"They would've won the gold with Caitlin Clark," one fan wrote.

"Caitlyn and Angel would have got the gold," another fan responded.

"Flexing bronze and basketball in the same sentence? Delete the post," a fan replied.

Team USA had a disappointing start to the 3x3 women's basketball tournament. They lost their first three games before winning the next five to qualify for the knockout rounds. They lost to Spain in the semifinals and beat Canada to end on a high note.

While one fan saw the bright side of bringing home the bronze, a couple of fans wondered why the US doesn't just pick better players.

"After that rough start, it’s nice to bring home a medal," one fan shared.

"Why don’t we just send 3 WNBA players and win gold though?" a fan asked.

"USA would have gotten 2 more guaranteed golds if we sent good players," another fan commented.

---

Hailey Van Lith feels proud of Team USA's bronze medal finish

Hailey Van Lith feels proud of Team USA's bronze medal finish. (Photo: IMAGN)

Despite Team USA's bronze in the women's 3x3 basketball tournament, Hailey Van Lith still felt proud of their accomplishment. Van Lith told reporters after the game that winning a medal in the Olympics is tough, so it's something to be thankful for.

"Winning a medal for your country just makes you super proud. Even after the game, I got super emotional. There just aren't enough words. You just feel so proud. You're just so thankful for your family and friends and everyone who cheered and supported you. If they will have me again at the next one, I'll be back," Van Lith said. [H/T on3.com)

The men's 3x3 basketball team even failed to make it to the knockout rounds, although the men's and women's 5x5 teams are still favored to take home the gold in their respective tournaments.