After running through their set of showcase games with five straight victories, Steve Kerr and Team USA officially stepped on the court to open their FIBA World Cup campaign on Saturday morning against New Zealand in Group C.
With only a one-point lead in the first quarter, Team USA outscored New Zealand 26-18 in the second quarter and never looked back. Behind a balanced attack with six players scoring in double-figures, Team USA cruised to a 99-72 victory.
In an appearance off the bench, Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero scored a team-high 21 points on 8-of-10 shooting from the field to go along with four rebounds and four blocks. Anthony Edwards added 14 points on 5-of-10 shooting from the field with seven rebounds, three assists and a steal against the New Zealanders.
Austin Reaves, Tyrese Haliburton, Jalen Brunson and Jaren Jackson Jr. all registered double-figure scoring efforts for Team USA.
Watch all the highlights from Saturday morning’s contest via YouTube:
Following their win over New Zealand, Team USA will meet fellow Group C foe, Greece. Just over a week ago, Team USA ran past Greece in a showcase game, 108-86.
Team USA will meet Greece in Manila on Monday morning.
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