USA rally from 10-point deficit to win against New Zealand – FIBA ​​Basketball World Cup 2023

MANILA (Philippines) – Perhaps it was the pre-match haka that impressed Steve Kerr’s men, but their slow start allowed New Zealand to open up a 10-point lead. There was no panic, and the U.S. did the work to regain the lead before halftime, eventually winning 99-72.

The Tall Blacks will be looking for their first win in two days when they face Jordan. Meanwhile, a win over Greece could see the USA top the group.

Infection point: New Zealand caught the world’s attention with their customary pre-match haka and seemed to put them in good spirits to start the match in sixth gear as they punished the US defense to take a 14-4 lead to the love of 10,978 fans at the Mall of Asia Arena.

But the U.S. abandoned their drop coverage and switched to defense, with Paulo Panchero under center, as they battled back and entered the locker room with a 45-36 lead. New Zealand didn’t let them open a 20-point lead until late in the game, but they couldn’t get back into single digits against a balanced USA attack.

TCL Man of the Match: Panchero turns 21 in November, but looks like a seasoned veteran. He had 21 points in the third quarter, when America had the most lights between the two teams.

Banchero hit 8 of 10 field goals and had a game-high 4 blocks.

The statistics don’t lie: New Zealand is known to be a fast team, they led the whole score to FIBA ​​Basketball World Cup 2019 but even they couldn’t match the speed of this team. The USA led 22-6 in fast break points, perfectly summing up what they do best.

In short: In addition to the first quarter, Coach Kerr will be happy on both the offensive and defensive sides, but also charge management. 12 of their players got minutes, with Jalen Brunson and Anthony Edwards leading them with 25 and 24 minutes, respectively.

New Zealand were undeterred, with four players posting double figures in scores, led by Ruben De Rangi who scored 15 runs. They have two big games against Jordan and Greece; Two wins could take them into the second round.

They said: “We came out in our first half and had a lot of fire. We lost our footing a little bit in the second half, but overall we can take a lot of things from that game and bring it to the field.” Next two games.” – Reuben Te Rangi, New Zealand

“The opening handshake was good, strong, strong. It was always a question of keeping it up throughout the game. I’m proud of my guys and we’re going to the next game.” – But Cameron, the New Zealand coach

“I saw it coming and I was talking to (LA Lakers assistant coach) Bill Handy and he said, ‘They love the Lakers here.’ It means a lot to be represented, to be accepted the way they accept me.” – Austin Reeves is a fan favorite in America and the Philippines

“It’s always an equation. As coaches, you have to take all of that into account, whatever scheme you’re playing, switching or leaving or whatever. You have to look at the opponent and figure out what you need to do to win.” You try every game to figure out what you’re willing to live with. We build our defensive coverage around those thoughts.” – Steve Kerr, USA coach

FIBA