United States overcomes sloppy start to rout New Zealand in FIBA World Cup opener
The U.S. overcame a sluggish, sloppy start and knocked off New Zealand 99-72 Saturday in the FIBA World Cup opener for both teams in Group C in Manilla, Philippines.
The Americans had four turnovers in the first 2½ minutes and trailed 14-4 with 5:48 left in the first quarter. But the second unit − led by Austin Reaves, Paolo Banchero and Tyrese Haliburton − helped erase the deficit and the U.S. pulled away with a strong final three quarters.
With a roster that includes no experience at a major men’s senior international event, the U.S. with its 12 NBA players had too much talent, depth, size and versatility for New Zealand.
Banchero, the 2023-23 NBA Rookie of the Year for the Orlando Magic, led the U.S. with 21 points. Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Anthony Edwards collected 14 points and seven rebounds; Memphis Grizzlies All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. had 12 points, four rebounds and one block; and New York Knicks All-Star Jalen Brunson had 10 points, four rebounds and four assists.
Key stretch for the U.S.
The U.S. turned a 30-29 lead with 6:07 left in the second quarter into 45-36 halftime lead and stretched the advantage to 76-58 after three quarters.
It was enough to down New Zealand, but the U.S. will need to play better (19 turnovers was nine too many) as the event progresses into the second round of group play and beyond.
Second unit shines for U.S.
First-year U.S. head coach Steve Kerr has a luxury most FIBA World Cup coaches don’t have. When his starters aren’t playing well, he has a bench full of NBA players.
With the starters struggling early, Kerr turned to reserves who provided a lift.
Reaves, the Los Angeles Lakers' upstart guard, had 12 points, six assists and three steals; along with his 21 points on an efficient 8-for-10 shooting, Banchero added four rebounds and four blocks; Haliburton, a growing star for the Indiana Pacers, had 10 points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals and one block.
Defense rules the day for Team USA
The U.S. held New Zealand to 36.5.% shooting and 32.1% on 3-pointers and had 10 steals and seven blocks. New Zealand scored just 14 points in the fourth quarter.
What was the other result in Group C?
Greece beat Jordan 92-71 with Giannoulis Larentzakis scoring a team-high 19 points for the winners.
What's next for the U.S.?
The U.S. will play Greece Monday at 8:40 a.m. ET (ESPN2 and streaming on courtside1891.com for a fee; blackout restrictions apply).
Any surprises in Saturday’s FIBA World Cup games?
South Sudan gave Puerto Rico a game but fell 101-96 in Group B play. Other than that, games played out as expected. Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic had 37 points, seven rebounds and six assists in Slovenia’s 100-85 victory against Venezuela.
Looking ahead to Sunday’s big FIBA World Cup games
- Australia vs. Germany
- France vs. Latvia
- Italy vs. Dominican Republic