The USA national team secured an impressive victory over New Zealand, ending with a score of 99:72 in the opening match of Group C at the FIBA World Cup.
The USA didn’t start with their full force immediately. A somewhat relaxed approach proved costly for the team led by Steve Kerr, as the New Zealanders, led by Finn Delany, managed to take a double-digit lead.
This setback served as a wake-up call for the Americans. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Anthony Edwards and Jaren Jackson Jr. ignited a resurgence that ultimately turned the tide for the five-time world champions.
First W in the πΌ β #FIBAWC x #WinForUSA πΊπΈ
— FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 π (@FIBAWC) August 26, 2023
While the Edwards-Jackson duo provided the initial momentum, it was the second pair, consisting of Austin Reaves and Paolo Banchero, that dealt a final blow to the opposition.
The defensive efforts came alive for the Americans in the third quarter, enabling them to find more open offensive positions and smoother gameplay.
This duo demonstrated their full potential during this period, allowing the USA to establish an 18-point lead, which they comfortably maintained throughout the final 10 minutes.
Leading the scorers for the winning team were Banchero and Edwards with 21 and 16 points, respectively. Reuben Te Rangi led the defeated side with 15 points, while Delany and Shea Ili contributed 12 points each.
In the upcoming round, the USA will square off against Greece, while New Zealand will face Jordan.