The Americans were tested early.
Team USA no doubt has heard the chatter: This is not the best team the USA can send.
And early on Saturday against New Zealand, it sure looked that way as Team USA coughed the ball up 6 times in the game’s first 7 minutes to fall behind, 14-4.
It was at this point when Austin Reaves checked in and things slowly fell into place for the Americans. First, it was a 12-2 run to tie the game up at 16. Next was a 26-18 second quarter to finish the half ahead, 45-36. Then, it was a 31-22 third canto to push the lead to 18 entering the payoff period.
The Americans then kept their foot on the proverbial gas pedal in the fourth to coast to a 99-72 opening-game win over New Zealand at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.
Reaves, who started the Americans’ fightback, finished with 12 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals in 22 high-octane minutes. Paolo Banchero, on the other hand, was steady all game long, topscoring for Team USA with 21 points on top of 4 blocks, while Anthony Edwards bucked a shaky, turnover-filled first few minutes to finish with 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Reuben Te Rangi led the way for the Tall Blacks with 15 points on 3 triples, while Finn Delany and Shea Ili each had 12.
Team USA will next take on Greece, who also won its FIBA World Cup opener earlier on Saturday against Jordan. New Zealand, meanwhile, will face Jordan. Both games will take place on Monday, also at the SM MOA Arena.