FIBA World Cup 2014: Team USA bounces back to rout New Zealand

After a competitive game against Turkey, Team USA had little issue dispatching New Zealand at the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup on Tuesday. The Americans coasted to a 98-77 victory, moving to 3-0 in the tournament.

And then Faried (h/t to @Steve_OS):

Team USA is playing New Zealand in the FIBA World Cup and James Harden is very confused by a New Zealand sporting tradition, the Haka.

It’s a staple of any sports event involving the country. The war dance represents the native Maori population of New Zealand and is always performed pre-game. Harden will probably try and work out whatever the heck was happening and look for it on Wikipedia later.

After a day off on Labor Day, Team USA continues play in the 2014 FIBA World Cup on Tuesday when coach Mike Krzyzewski’s squad faces New Zealand. The United States is looking to improve to 3-0 after a rout of Finland on Saturday and a 21-point victory over Turkey on Sunday that was closer than the final margin indicates.

New Zealand is still in search of its first victory in Group C pool play after losing to Turkey, 76-73, to open the tournament and then falling to the Dominican Republic by 10. New Zealand is the only team in the group that’s 0-2, while the United States is the group’s only team unbeaten through two games.

Through the FIBA World Cup’s first two days of competition, the United States was the only team in sole possession of its group’s top spot. On the flip side is New Zealand, also in Group C but with a 0-2 record through the first two games. They are the only team in sole possession of last place in their group through the first two days.

New Zealand, led by Thomas Abercrombie, squares off with the Americans on Tuesday desperately hoping to remain in contention. Meanwhile, coach Mike Krzyzewski’s team will be hoping to get off to a faster start following an underwhelming 98-77 win against Turkey two days prior.