Only seventh in the 2019 World Cup, the United States began the reconquest of their world title with a victory against New Zealand (99-72) on Saturday in Manila. A flattering gap as Steve Kerr’s players stammered their basketball for a quarter and a half, before unfolding, guided by substitutes Austin Reaves (12 points, 6 assists, 3 steals) and Paolo Banchero (21 points, 4 blocks ), main satisfactions of the evening.
Because the rear of the Los Angeles Lakers and the interior of Orlando were invaluable in catching up with the dubious first passage of the expected leaders of the American squad like Anthony Edwards. After four minutes of loss of ball and individual actions, the New Zealanders had taken ten lengths ahead, on an award-winning basket from Finn Delany (4-14, 4th).
Untenable under the circle, Banchero slammed two dunks into the opposing defense and at the very end of the first quarter, Reaves scored his first long-distance shot to finally take the lead (19-18, 10th). In difficulty in the face of American aggression, New Zealand collected faults on its major players like Delany and only the success of Reuben Te Rangi (15 points) or Isayah Le’Afa (12) kept them in the game. facing the awakening of Edwards or Jaren Jackson Jr.
A test against Greece on Monday
The second passage of the Reaves-Banchero duo ended up knocking out New Zealand. The Lakers winger chained a double interception step and a new mid-range shot while Banchero, suffering from three points in his first NBA season (29.8% success), discovered with pleasure the shorter FIBA distance (6.75 m against 7.24 m) with two baskets in a row at the end of the third quarter (74-58, 29th).
The fourth quarter allowed Steve Kerr to rotate his squad and Tyrese Haliburton to engage in a blind passing contest for Bobby Portis. The march will already be higher on Monday against Greece in a duel for first place in group C. Deprived of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Greeks overcame Jordan earlier in the day (92-71).
