Austin Reaves, Team USA buck slow start to overcome New Zealand

Austin Reaves and the United States basketball team bucked a slow start to overcome New Zealand, 99-72, on Saturday in their first game in Group C of the 2023 FIBA World Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Down by ten points early in the game, Team USA claimed the lead at the end of the first period, 19-18, thanks to a triple by Reaves just before the buzzer.

The American squad took control of the game from there, winning the next three quarters comfortable to build the lead up to 27.

Paolo Banchero scored 21 points to lead the USA team. He shot 8-for-10 from the field, including 2-for-2 from three-point range, in a strong performance.

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Anthony Edwards, who many expect to be in contention for the tournament's MVP award, tallied 14 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.

Jaren Jackson Jr., who was limited to just 16 minutes and 15 seconds of action before fouling out, and the crowd darling Reaves both finished with 12 points.

The Tall Blacks were led by Reuben Te Rangi with 15 points.

USA will next face Greece on Monday at the same venue.

The scores:

USA 99 - Banchero 21, Edwards 14, Jackson 12, Reaves 12, Brunson 10, Haliburton 10, Bridges 7, Hart 5, Portis 4, Ingram 2, Johnson 2, Kessler 0.

New Zealand 72 - Te Rangi 15, Delany 12, Ili 12, Wetzell 10, Le'afa 9, Cameron 5, Fotu 4, Smith-Milner 3, Britt 2, Brown 0, Harris 0, Ngatai 0.

Quarters: 19-18, 45-36, 76-58, 99-72.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News