Five things we learned after day two of 3x3 at Paris Olympics

PARIS (France) - It was a tough act to follow after the 3x3 competition spectacularly launched at the Paris Olympics, but day two proved equally memorable after another dramatic slate of games. 

Here are the top things we learned from day two. 

Azerbaijan's 3x3 fairy-tale continues

Azerbaijan, a nation of 10 million, continue to live out a 3x3 fairy-tale after their talented women's team produced their first Olympic victory on day two. 

And what a maiden win it was! Azerbaijan stunned defending gold medalist USA 20-17 in a major upset. But those who watched their stunning qualification in Hong Kong will know that this underdog team can defy the odds. 

And they always have a chance with Tiffany Hayes leading their charge and she outshone star-studded USA with an unbelievable performance to finish with 11 points, 7 rebounds and 8 highlights. She's the leading scorer after the opening two days. 

But rest assured they won't be basking in this historic dub for too long because Azerbaijan know they can beat anyone. 

USA's star-studded teams are in early trouble

Who would have thought? After two days of competition, USA's star-studded men's and women's teams are a combined 0-4. It isn't time to totally freak out just yet, but day three looms as a defining day for the winless Americans. 

After losing on day one to Germany, the American women just could not get going against Azerbaijan. They look out of sync and their lack of chemistry is showing. 

The USA will need to try to get WNBA player Rhyne Howard more comfortable as her lack of 3x3 experience is showing on the big stage.

She had just one point against Azerbaijan, but if she can click into gear then the USA might be able to turn things around quickly. 

USA men's team also have problems after falling to Poland in the last game on day two. Compounding their woes is what appeared to be a groin injury to superstar Jimmer Fredette, who needed treatment before returning. 

He struggled to have an influence and USA will be sweating on his fitness status ahead of what shapes as a pivotal day three. 

Ygueravide loves Paris

Sandra Ygueravide has fond memories of Paris having delivered an MVP performance to lead Spain to glory at the Europe Cup 2021.

During that golden campaign she powered past France in the semis and once again the Spanish 3x3 legend silenced the crowd after taking over the half-court. 

She started on fire and bookended her performance with a pretty finger roll to finish with a game-high 9 points. It's been a memorable Olympic debut for Ygueravide, who just loves playing in Paris. 

Ning Zhang is a force of nature

Real ones watching the World Tour know full well that Ning Zhang is impossible to stop when he has a full head of steam. He's a former Masters MVP and learned a few tricks from Serbian players while playing for Liman last season. 

Against gold medal favorite Serbia, who were irresistible against USA on day one, the 27-year-old Zhang was unstoppable and had a monster game of 11 points, 4 rebounds and 4 highlights in China's stunning 21-15 upset. 

Not even the feared Serbs could contain Zhang, whose inside-outside game worked to perfection. He hit a trio of twos and when the Chinese star is feeling it from downtown there isn't a lot defenses can do. 

It was reminiscent of Zhang's destruction of Ub Huishan NE, who have three Serbian players at the Olympics, at the recent Chengdu Masters. 

Zhang's memorable performance lifted China to one of their greatest ever 3x3 moments as the underdog proved they can mix it with the top dogs. 

Miezis-De Jong duel again as Latvia continue dominance over the Dutch 

There was a lot of anticipation over superstars Nauris Miezis and Worthy de Jong going at it after their showdown for the ages at the Olympic qualification in Hong Kong. 

Miezis got the better of 'Hype Worthy' on that occasion to earn the dub for Latvia. But the Dutch hoops legend entered supremely confident after a typically aggressive performance against China on day one. 

De Jong was again aggressive as he splashed from two and also forced a turnover before completing the play with an acrobatic layup.

It appeared like de Jong was going to get revenge as Miezis was ice cold from the floor and missed his first four attempts from deep. He finally nailed a two, triggering an outpouring of emotion from Miezis. 

Miezis didn't have his greatest offensive game, but worked tirelessly to finish with six rebounds and he also had several pretty dishes. He had plenty of help with partner-in-crime Karlis Lasmanis stealing the show with a game high 8 points. 

De Jong was left frustrated by Latvia's swarming defense and was unable to penetrate the lane like he had against China. 

He relied on the two, but could not find his radar to finish 1 of 9 from deep as the Netherlands slumped to a big 21-12 defeat. 

Latvia's gold medal defense is firmly on track. 

 FIBA