NPR

The U.S. Will Likely Medal In 3x3 Basketball. What To Know About The New Sport

TOKYO — In 3-on-3 basketball, the action almost never stops.

Traditional basketball's scrappy cousin is making its Olympic debut in Tokyo, introducing the world to the dizzyingly fast, more compact play of the game of driveways and public parks.

And while the competition is intense and players are laser-focused, the event officially known as 3x3 basketball at the Olympics is set up to evoke the fun, upbeat vibe of a street pickup match.

The 3-on-3 basketball arena is outdoors and half the size of

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