LA Sparks 2024 Olympic Recap: Dearica Hamby, Team USA win doubleheader on Friday

It was a rough start to the Olympics for Team USA in 3x3, but Dearica Hamby and Rhyne Howard's game-winners have them on a three-game winning streak.

With the Los Angeles Sparks’ Kia Nurse, Stephanie Talbot, Li Yueru and Dearica Hamby all participating in the Olympic games, we’ll be covering how the women are doing in Paris daily.

Here’s today’s recap of the action.

Team USA 3x3

After losing their first three games, Team USA’s 3x3 squad bounced back by winning their first game of the Olympics on Thursday against Spain and then beating France 14-13 thanks to a Hamby game-winning basket on America’s final possession.

Team USA had a balanced attack, with Hailey Van Lith, Cierra Burdick and Hamby all scoring four points each. The trio all grabbed at least four rebounds, with Burdick leading the team with seven boards.

As the score suggests, it was a tight game. Neither team created much separation during the ten minutes of play. USA created some separation late, leading by three with 1:14 left, but France countered with a basket by Myriam Djekoundade and a two-point shot by Marie-Eve Paget to tie the game with 17 seconds left.

With the game hanging in the balance, Howard passed to a posted-up Hamby and she stepped up and gave USA the lead and, ultimately, the win.

France had one more possession, but with three seconds left, they quickly took a two-point shot that Laetitia Guapo missed, ending the game.

The second part of the Friday doubleheader had USA facing off against Canada and was even more tightly contested than their game versus Spain.

USA pulled off the win in overtime, beating Canada 19-18 thanks to a Howard 2-point shot. It was the only 2-point basket Howard converted all game.

Hamby had a quieter game against the neighbors up north, scoring three points and grabbing two rebounds. But she made key plays down the stretch to secure the result.

Team USA has now won three games in a row and currently sits fifth in the standings. The top two teams will automatically qualify for the semifinals with the next four competing in play-in games for the final two spots.

USA will play their final game of the group stage Saturday against China at 10:05 a.m. PT and streamable on Peacock.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88.