Five things to know before day two of 3x3 at Paris Olympics

PARIS (France) - After a historic opening at the Paris Olympics, day two promises to be even bigger and better as the stakes slightly rise at the 3x3 competition. 

Let's look at five things to look out for on day two. 

USA's teams need to shake off early disappointment

It was not the start envisioned for hoops power USA, whose men's and women's teams both lost on day one. 

The defending women's champion were stunned by Germany after relinquishing an early advantage as they completely went cold as the game wore on. 

It's a team full of talent, with WNBA players Dearica Hamby and Rhyne Howard surrounding superstar Hailey Van Lith and veteran Cierra Burdick. But they don't have much experience playing together and the lack of chemistry showed against an experienced German team.

USA did look sharp in the early stages and will be hoping they can produce that form for longer against Azerbaijan, who are coming off a loss to Spain, on day two. 

Similarly, USA's men started brightly before being overwhelmed by top ranked Serbia. Superstar Jimmer Fredette was on a roll early before going cold and it's highly unlikely that will happen two games in a row. 

Fredette and his teammates will need to sharpen up ahead of a crucial game against Poland in the last game of day two. 

Hype Worthy out to steal the show again  

Who was the most spectacular player on day one? It had to be Worthy de Jong, who pulled out all the tricks in a spectacular Olympic debut on day one against China. 

The Dutch hoops legend was aggressive from the get go with trademark acrobatic drives to the rack to ignite the Netherlands' victory. 

De Jong, who also caught the eye with a symbol of a tulip painted in his hair, punctuated his performance with a huge one-handed slam to get the fans on their feet. 

After his masterpiece of 9 points and 10 highlights, de Jong has instantly become a fan favorite.

The Olympic stage suits the man they call 'Hype Worthy' who will have all eyes on him when Netherlands play reigning gold medalist Latvia in a day two blockbuster. 

 Latvia aim to continue impressive start

There was some uncertainty over Latvia, who look a little bit different from their Tokyo triumph without veterans Agnis Cavars and Edgars Krumins. 

But it was the same old Latvia on the Olympic stage as they impressively cruised past dangerous Lithuania 21-14.

And it was gold medalists Nauris Miezis and Karlis Lasmanis who were again superheroes as they combined for 16 points to lay the smackdown. 

Miezis tuned up nicely for a rematch with de Jong after having gotten the better of him in a memorable duel during qualification in Hong Kong. The individual battle looms as a major highlight on day two. 

Australia need to regroup

Australia have been basically unbeatable in 2024 with four titles from as many starts. So how on earth did they trail Canada 15-2 in their Olympic debut? 

It was a shock to see Australia look so clueless as they were rattled by Canada's length. But it was the same Canada team Australia had beaten twice in qualification in Utsunomiya, so there shouldn't have been any surprises. 

It might have been a case of nerves or perhaps it was just one of those forgettable performances. Australia did finally settle into their groove later in the game, but it was too late. 

They will, however, hope that belated momentum will spill over to day two, where Australia faces another tough test against a German team riding high. 

France aim to get back on track against old foe

France's women suffered heartbreak after Lili Wang's dagger on day one.

It left their passionate fans stunned as France showed moments of brilliance, especially superstar Laetitia Guapo, but they just couldn't quite shake off China.

France's bid to get back on track starts with renewing their rivalry with old foe Spain, who are fresh off a tight victory over Azerbaijan. 

The blockbuster clash will see Guapo pitted against Spanish legend Sandra Ygueravide, who relishes playing in Paris having led her country to an emotional Euro Cup title there three years ago. 

Spain had a balanced scoring effort against Azerbaijan and will prove a formidable test for France, who are under immediate pressure with the spotlight firmly on them.

FIBA